‘Grass and open space does not create jobs,” says leader

Dundee City Council leader John Alexander, who also sits on the Dundee Waterfront management board, is aware of recent differences in opinion about Site Six.

However, he said all planning processes and public consultation opportunities have been adhered to and said it is important people do not lose sight of the bigger picture.

“The Waterfront Project was originally designed and set out following public consultation when I was still in primary school – we are now 20 years into that plan,” he said.

“Of course, the V&A was never part of that original plan, although the site on which it sits was always marked out for development.

“In many ways, I think it shows how opinions have changed over the years and how much people have now bought into the V&A – opinions were not always so strongly in favour.

“The fact that people want to look at it from every angle should be seen as a positive.

“However, the reality is that the waterfront has always been an economic intervention to address Dundee’s underlying problems, be they unemployment, lower business startup rates or lower levels of economic growth.

“If we were to leave this site, any site or the whole waterfront open then it wouldn’t assist in addressing those issues.

“We have created Slessor Gardens and are soon to start on the new playpark and Waterfront Place next to the V&A itself as additional open spaces for the public to enjoy.

“But grass and open space doesn’t create jobs, investment or opportunities for young people.

“Site Six, love it or hate it, will deliver on all of those fronts. It is but a shell at the moment and much like the construction of the railway station and V&A Dundee, the finished article will look significantly different.

“It was placed in the public domain and there were opportunities, not only to submit views but also to address councillors directly at the planning committee.”

Site Six is being developed opposite the V&A.