The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Vision of marina project unveiled
Proposed development ‘could complete area’ – but would need Tay Cities funding
A leading architecture firm has revealed a stunning impression of how a marina in Dundee could look under ambitious proposals to transform the city’s waterfront area.
Nicoll Russell Studios unveiled the image this week at the official opening of the hi-tech Water’s Edge office development at City Quay, but an updated version, now including the North Carr Lightship, can be revealed today for the first time.
It imagines the development of marina facilities at Camperdown Dock and Victoria Dock, which it is hoped would offer “high-quality sheltered berthing with direct access for visiting sailors to the city centre shopping and associated facilities”.
The plan to develop a marina in Dundee is linked to the Tay Cities Deal but funding is not yet in place to begin the project, despite Dundee City Council chiefs confirming such a plan would have “good support” from the community and stakeholders.
The Nicoll Russell Studios impression includes a proposed extension of the recently completed Water’s Edge offices, the bridge across the dock in full working order, new moored berths, and HMS Unicorn situated in a dry dock.
Professor Ric Russell, a founding partner of the practice, said the image represents a “completed vision of what could be for that whole area”.
He said: “From the discussions we’ve have had with the waterfront development team, the feeling I get is that they are very ambitious and this is something that has been discussed across the whole history of us working on the Water’s Edge project.
“I really get the sense from everyone I speak to that there’s an ambition and a definite desire to push forward with this, but it’s a case of the powers that be making that vision happen.
“Clearly, as architects, we’re not in any way in control of what the council decides to do with the area, but to some degree what we’re doing is imagineering just how exciting this could be for the city.”
Mr Russell stressed his belief the city is not “making the most” of attractions such as the North Carr Lightship or HMS Unicorn in their current settings, and said a reimagining could help to make the city more attractive to potential visitors.
He believes the project as imagined in the impression would complete the waterfront “circuit” and increase circulation around the city’s dockside area, which would lead to an increase of restaurants, shops and other businesses.
Under plans drawn up by Robin Presswood, the council’s executive director of city development, the marina plan could scoop a share of funding made available through the Tay Cities Deal.
The landmark deal, which aims to fund more than 20 major projects and create in excess of 6,000 jobs across Tayside and Fife, was signed by council leaders in November last year.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Funding is not all in place and there is an approvals process for Tay Cities Deal projects that has to be worked through before it is confirmed.”