Proposals to upgrade neglected park now at an advanced stage

A park in the heart of one of the most deprived areas of Dundee is to be given a new lease of life.

Talks have been held about upgrading Malcolm Street park, just o ff Dundonald Stree t in Stobswell.

Colin Clement, chairman of Stobswell Forum, said the proposals to upgrade the park were advanced and progress was “great news”.

He said: “I moved to this area about 30 years ago and the park was there at that time.

“It was a ‘pocket park’ ahead of its time.

“It has been allowed to deteriorate over the years, and we thought it would be great if it could be upgraded and brought back into use.

“It is actually a quiet park with none of the usual problems of the area.

“It’s used by families and you often see grandparents taking their young g ra n d c h i l d r e n there.

“It is also used by parents after they have collected their kids from school.

“It’s a great green space and if it was upgraded it would be good for the area.”

Mr Clement previously met representatives of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services and discussed what could be done.

“Hopefully, we will see older trees taken down and replaced with new ones,” he said.

“Street furniture will be replaced, and we have also discussed the possibility of getting good new play equipment for the kids.”

He said the council has also agreed to carry out some soft landscaping with the existing plants and trees over the next couple of months.

Earlier this year, the forum unveiled ambitious new plans for Stobswell that include a revamped shopping centre, as well as further pocket parks for the area.

The key proposals would support improved physical distancing, the recovery of the district shopping centre and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme would also involve the removal of street parking from Albert Street, with vehicles asked to use car parks on Dura Street, Langlands Street and Craigie Street.