Waterfront words a worry

Sir, – I found Dundee council leader John Alexander’s comments in The Courier worrying (“Grass and open space does not create jobs, says leader”, Courier, October 8).

The waterfront development may have been placed in the public domain as he says but not everyone has access or knows how to access it, especially as it has changed over many years.

In addition I am sure he is aware that many people can’t visualise from drawings what the finished article will look like until it is complete.

In these circumstances the public trusts their elected representatives to consider matters properly and reach a satisfactory conclusion, having conferred with professionals where necessary.

It would appear in this case that no real consideration has taken place apart from that of a financial nature.

The original ethos for this area was to open up the waterfront to the city, not to populate it with sterile hotels and office blocks.

Mr Alexander goes on to say that “grass and open space doesn’t create jobs, investments or opportunities for young people”.

That’s an insensitive statement which, taken to its logical conclusion, suggests every area of grass or parkland should be built on.

Should we fear the gradual degradation of the likes of Baxter, Caird and Camperdown parks?

Thankfully some architects appreciate the aesthetic and public benefits of the thoughtful treatment of landscaping and environment.

Like many cities, Dundee has its problems which are not easily dealt with, but destroying a potentially attractive site by over commercialisation will not solve them.

If the area cannot be imaginatively landscaped then at least any buildings should be sympathetically designed both in form and in height to complement the new V&A.

Terry Smith.

33 Flass Road, Wormit.