The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Time to see a bigger view of the waterfront
Sir, – I was disappointed but not surprised to read the remarks by Jenny Marra MSP on Site Six at the waterfront.
She raised queries about the building being constructed “in front of the V&A” and asks “is the idea not to open up the waterfront?”
Where has she been all these years? The waterfront masterplan, conceived, initially under Labour and progressed ably under several SNP administrations, has seen a step-change in how Dundee is perceived locally, nationally and internationally.
It is an ambitious, 30 year plan – a balance of development and public access, investment and job-generation, openspace, tourism and new homes to create a thriving, sustainable waterfront and city centre.
By supporting the odd idea that a view of the V&A from Union Street will be “spoiled” it’s clear she thinks the whole balance of the plan can now be cherry-picked. That’s very sad because the success has been achieved by the city speaking with one voice. That’s how success is built, by a city discussing, then deciding and sticking with it and going all out for it, together.
Dundee needs a working, busy waterfront where real people live and work and come to stay. There is of course public open-space in the plan but we need to see the bigger view here; a vibrant internationally successful modern city and the employment that goes with it, not moaning about a lost view as if the V&A is some kind of Pyramid of Giza to be worshipped from afar. Andrew Scott. 142 Camphill Road, Broughty Ferry.