If we build it, will they come?

Sir, – Stefan Morkis (Courier, May 14) seems to have suddenly come to the realisation that we possibly have too many hotels planned in the Riverside area of Dundee.

This must be a shock to Mr Morkis since just a few weeks ago he gave us his opinion on the disgraceful office block which is hiding the V&A. At that point he was full of optimism and praise of the city planners, telling the public how the surrounding buildings are necessary to bring financial input for the area.

It will be nice if the hotels get the “millions” of tourists and visitors we are led to believe are heading for Dundee.

On April 12, I sent in a letter to The Courier which included the quote: “Apart from the V&A, what else is going to bring millions more visitors to Dundee?

“Where exactly will the visitors spend the millions of pounds we are being told will come to Dundee? Discovery point? RRS Discovery itself? In fact, what is new in Dundee apart from the V&A? Nothing of any note”.

Mr Morkis now seems to have taken that on board.

The fact is this whole mismanaged scheme depends on people staying in the hotels.

This, we are told is the beginning of a spectacular era for Dundee. This leads me to question the city planners and business gurus in the council.

Do we have a client or clients for this expensive office block? Do we have additional parking spaces for the 800 people we are told will work in the office block? Is there a traffic plan and if so, why is it not in operation at present to deal with the gridlock which is Dock Street, the Tay Bridge off ramp and Riverside Drive?

Optimism is wonderful. Just do not let reality get in the way. Arthur Gall. Pitalpin Court, Dundee.