Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Street that always
Exchange Street stays independent and unusual
IF you’ve ever paid a visit to Dundee’s Exchange Street, you will know there’s something special about it.
This is partly down to the charming cobbled street and its rich history.
But an even bigger reason is its success at attracting thriving independent businesses, including restaurants, hair salons and coffee shops.
Recent research shows Exchange Street has one of the highest rates for independent businesses in the city centre, with more than 90% independent.
Only one unit is occupied by a chain. It also has one of the lowest high street vacancy rates, with only two empty units.
So, what’s the street’s secret? We speak to business owners and find out why this pocket of the centre is bucking the trend.
The Selkie, which serves a range of tapas and cocktails, was opened by Kelly Fairweather in 2020. She has since opened a second venue in Broughty Ferry.
Kelly and husband Paul also run Edna Mae on Exchange Street, which originally was a bakery but now operates as an events space.
Kelly said: “When we opened Exchange Street wasn’t the same street it is now. I feel like it has become a destination.
“The council gave us some funding for fairy lights which just makes the street a nice spot.
“We are supposed to be getting street furniture in the next year.”
Earlier this year, an illuminated street sign and decorative lights were suspended between buildings on Exchange Street by the city council.
It is part of a long-term campaign to improve the city centre.
Kelly says the waterfront development has also improved business, with a substantial increase in tourists visiting the street during the summer.
One benefit to working alongside so many other independent businesses is the opportunity to “cross-pollinate with one another”, Kelly says.
“We are not in competition. Instead, we complement each other.
“For example, The Cheesery is always queued out the door – then people will come over to me for lunch, or they will go to The Flame Tree for lunch.”
As one of the oldest streets in Dundee, there is also Exchange Street’s rather varied history.
Located near the harbour, it was traditionally used by sex workers looking for seafarers and kerb-crawlers.
It also sits above Dundee’s vaults, which date back to the 1750s and lay hidden until they were discovered in 2000.
Kelly said: “There is so much history in this little street. I’m convinced there’s ghosts here. If I’m in the shop on my own, I’m convinced I see them. My husband says I’m crazy.”
A few doors down from The Selkie is The Cheesery, which was bought by wife and husband team Hilary and Stephen Barney in 2016. Since then, they’ve opened a second store in Broughty Ferry and gained a loyal customer base.
Hilary agrees with Kelly that the street has transformed.
She said: “Over the eight years we have seen a lot more thriving independent businesses. It has been great that Vandal & Co have moved in, as well as The Selkie. There has just been more buzz.
“It has been nice to have the new fairy lights as well. We will really see the benefit of that in the winter months when it gets to be dark a wee bit earlier.”
She adds that the higher occupancy rate on Exchange Street means “it never feels like a ghost town”.
“A wee bit more support from Dundee City Council in terms of parking would be appreciated – maybe a £1 shopping day ticket could be made available.”
Jackie Cannon, who opened The Flame Tree Cafe in 2015, said: “There has always been a nice mix of independents.
“All the businesses in this street complement each other as well. It is nice for independents to be surrounded by other independents and not chains – it means that there is a strong community feel.”
What sets the street apart from others in Dundee? She said: “A lot of the businesses are quite well established. There is a longevity of the businesses... It is nice for the city, when there is so much change, to have a nice sort of pocket of consistency.”
Jonnie Armitage, who opened restaurant Vandal & Co on the street in 2021, believes it is the variety of retailers which makes Exchange Street so great.
He also loves that it is located “in the heart of the city, yet tucked away”.
We have launched an initiative called Dundee Matters, which aims to find solutions to the city’s problems. We will be hosting a summit at our city centre office in May, where a panel will explore issues facing our high streets at an event full of people invested in the future of Dundee.