The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Skateboard ‘grinders’ damaging granite benches at the V&A.
WATERFRONT: Skateboarder leave marks on granite
Calls have been made to protect “expensive” granite seats which are being damaged by skateboarders outside V&A Dundee.
Skaters are scraping the stone on the edge of the seats when grinding along them. The seats, which were only installed two years ago as part of the £80.1 million attraction, have become visibly damaged with white marks.
Visitors have also reported seeing loose skateboards rolling out-of-control on to busy Riverside Esplanade, forcing traffic to stop.
Bill Newcombe, from the City Centre and Harbour Community Council, said space elsewhere should be earmarked for skateboarders.
“Things like this will probably give skateboarders a bad name, which is probably unjustified. They should be able to use space like anyone else but this area isn’t suitable. The benches are expensive and we don’t want to see them all damaged.
“It’s also not a great mix to have tourists sitting have a drink or walking by while people use it as a skatepark.”
The area is increasing in popularity after a pop-up bar and café opened, while an urban beach and travel hub is set for completion next spring.
It is hoped various other sites around the waterfront will attract private investment before the 30-year £1 billion redevelopment is complete in 2030.
In many other cities, so-called “grind blockers” are installed, such as in Edinburgh at Bristol Square and around the Scottish Parliament building.
A spokesperson for V&A Dundee said: “We’ve checked and there is some minimal damage to some benches.
“Our security will move on anyone causing damage, and we don’t currently plan to add any physical deterrents.”
V&A Dundee will reopen on August 27 after being closed for more than five months.