Brand new bid to capitalise on visitors to V&A

DUNDEE’S West End is to launch its own brand to capitalise on tourists visiting the city’s new V&A museum.

The scheme could see shoppers given access to a physical and online map of outlets in the area to “highlight the unique appeal of the district”.

Planners have also raised the possibility of introducing new street signs to welcome visitors and make it clearer they are entering a heritage centre.

Other plans include hanging flower baskets along the length of Perth Road, erecting heritage street lamps and raising banners to showcase retailers.

Civic leaders believe the scheme will raise fresh interest in the West End’s speciality restaurants and shops.

Councillor Fraser Macpherson, who represents the area, said he hoped some of the plans could become reality before the museum opens on September 15.

“We are conscious the number of visitors to Dundee is going to increase and we want to see areas like Per th Road and Blackness Road benefit from that,” he said.

“We’re really l ucky i n Dundee to have these local shopping centres — Broughty Ferry would be another example — and I would like to see visitors coming here and wandering into shops and bars.”

Mr Macpherson said he would also like to see the West End take advantage of its abundance of local artists to help “brighten the place up a bit” by redecorating Eurobins and incorporating street art.

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alison Henderson said she thought the proposal could be “a great idea” for the West End.