Forum

30/08/2012 Andrew Partington

I was just wondering if there has been any news on the new hilton and the customs house hotel development .

Project Co-ordinator

Andrew, we are still negotiating with the Hilton Group regarding their future proposals and have no new information re the proposed Custom House hotel development.

29/08/2012 Stephen Henderson

I was wondering if any more detailed plans for the waterfeature at the front of the public green space have been drawn up? If not perhaps getting someone ot the top of design field to come up with something would be exciting - perhaps Thomas Heatherwick would be good as he has strong links with the V and A?

Project Co-ordinator

Stephen, building on the Waterfront Landscape Masterplan work, undertaken by landscape architects Paul Hogarth. We are currently further developing and costing our plans for the public green space. We hope to be in a position to reveal this towards the end of this year. Work is also underway to develop the public space in front of the V&A and this is being developed in conjunction with the V&A Design Team. We are working closely with them to ensure that both important public spaces are complimentary.

Many thanks for your helpful suggestions and continued interest in the project.

29/08/2012 Joyce Waghorn

The Scottish tourist board have under-graded this scenic beauty spot by giving only four stars when this place is as near perfect as a garden can get. More power to the local’s elbow, for it is their hard work that has turned this piece of scrubland into, manicured lawns, colourful beds, free flowing stream. What could be better than enjoying the afternoon sun sitting in on the occasional well positioned dedicated seat, gazing across the gardens to the right or the river Tay to the left. Not a whiff of frying hot dogs or sight of fairground. Just landscaped gardens and fresh air.

09/08/2012 John Siddons

I posted on the forum in May 2012 requesting information regarding a marina development. You advised me that you were waiting for a study to be completed. Have the results of that been received and a decision made on the possible marina development at City Quay.

Project Co-ordinator

I can confirm that it is intended that the results of the Marina study are shared with the Dundee Waterfront Partnership Board at the next meeting of the Board at the end of September. I am happy to share with you the outcome of the meeting. It is becoming increasingly apparent however that there is a strong demand for yachting facilities on the east coast of Scotland.

21/05/2012 Valerie Brown

The waterfront is going to look amazing when finished. We visit the Hilton Hotel on a regular basis. I know it isnt on the plans so what is happening to it. I cant imagine such a popular chain pulling out of up and coming Dundee.

Project Co-ordinator

I can confirm that we are still negotiating with the Hilton hotel regarding an offer of compensation in order to demolish the hotel and casino as part of the Waterfront Masterplan. In the interim we have taken the precaution of gaining Council approval to proceed with compulsory purchase if required. We are keen to see the Hilton hotel group remaining in the city and will continue to work with them on that basis.

21/05/2012 Stephen Henderson

I was just wondering what the progress was on Customs House? Is there still a hotel chain wanting it? Has any work begun on the building?

Project Co-ordinator

I understand that the Custom House has been attracting interest from hotel operators. I am unaware of any works recently conducted on the building. This would normally be expected to occur following confirmation of a formal legal agreement having been agreed between the owner and a hotel operator.

04/05/2012 John Siddons

I am looking for a berth for a boat. From Aberdeen to Anstruther there are long waiting lists. Why has Dundee shelved the opportunity to have a marina. Marinas are central to waterfront developments worldwide. The city would profit in the long term from a marina asa the demand is already there!!!!!!!!!!!

Project Co-ordinator

I can confirm that the Dundee Waterfront Project is currently considering the possibility of creating a Marina at City Quay. We have rently commissioned a study by Marina experts to look at the business case for such a venture based at City Quay. Whilst the study which has been commissioned by our project partners Scottish Enterprise, is not yet completed it does point to a strong market demand for such a facility. Accordingly, we await the final draft of the report but it looks increasingly likely that we will be investigating how best to progress such a project.

08/03/2012 Richard Thomas

Thankyou for your comments regarding the possible development of a Marina in the existing dock area. Are you able to comment on the type of development you are looking for in the designated areas. At present all we appear to have is a number of plots which would be available. Are the plans set in stone or is there opportunity for alteration? There are a number of issues: 1. If the planned water feature takes place, has its the future maintenance been costed and who will be responsible? 2. When the new V&A building is constructed, has the build up of silt and rubbish accumulation been accounted for? 3. Can the roadways running North to South alongside the green area be pedestrian only? Traffic access to any buildings could be gained from the other side, this would make for a much better environment. 4. Instaed of the water feature as envisaged, could this area be designated for family use, with say a childrens play area? Overall there is very little detail available and I think it is time for us to be able to have a more concrete idea of what will happen here. I look forward to hearing your views.

Project Co-ordinator

Plans for the layout of Dundee Central Waterfront (DCW) and the approved Masterplan have been formally agreed by the project partners Dundee City Council (DCC), Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government following a lengthy period of public consultations over the past 10 years.

In terms of the maintenance of all public spaces in DCW, this will fall to DCC and those costs are being factored in to our project planning. It is very clear however that the economic benefits of the DCW project far outweigh any associated maintenance costs.

All environmental impacts of the V&A building are being carefully considered.

It is intended that the bulk of the through traffic is encouraged to travel on the Northern and Southern boulevards with much slower/lighter traffic levels planned for the north/south streets adjacent to the central public square.

It is also intended that the central public space caters for all age groups with childrens needs being fully considered. As the implementation of this project continues we are continuing to develop our plans in more detail within the framework of the approved Masterplan.

17/02/2012 Richard Thomas

From looking at the latest plan for the Waterfront, I thought that the water feature as originally envisaged had been scrapped as the proposed marina would not work being the wrong side of the Tay Bridge Road. Couldn,t the money which could be saved here be used to install new dock gates at Dundee Dock? This would then allow Victoria dock to operate as a Marina and bring much needed commerce to the City Quay development.

Project Co-ordinator

Richard, whilst it is no longer intended to form a Marina as part of the rejuvenation of Dundee Central Waterfront it is intended to consider some form of water feature at the rivers edge. The City Council with our Waterfront Partners Scottish Enterprise, are currently considering the opportunity to create a Marina at Victoria/Camperdown Docks, with the likely potential commercial advantages to the City Quay area and beyond.

21/01/2012 Graeme Bennett

As the current location of the Dundee Hilton Hotel is mark for redevelopment as part of these plans, is there any information on whether the Hilton Group plan on remaining in the city and occupying one of the new plots and if so, information on these plans?

Project Co-ordinator

Graeme, the Hilton Group are currently considering their options. We are keen to encourage hotel development on Dundee's Central Waterfront and would welcome interest from hotel operators including of course, the Hilton hotel group. Yesterday's announcement regarding the Malmaisson Hotel at the site of the former Tay Hotel is clear evidence of there being strong developer interest in Dundee Waterfront.

17/01/2012 Duncan MacDonald

Hi, the whole Waterfront redevlopment project is looking fantastic - I can't wait to see how things progress from here. One thing I was wondering about - are there any plans to involve the Unicorn as part of the redevelopment? It's such a grand old vessel, it seems a shame to have it hidden away down at City Quay.

17/01/2012 Richard Thomas

From looking at the latest plan for the Waterfront, I thought that the water feature as originally envisaged had been scrapped as the proposed marina would not work being the wrong side of the Tay Bridge Road. Couldn't the money which could be saved here be used to install new dock gates at Dundee Dock? This would then allow Victoria dock to operate as a Marina and bring much needed commerce to the City Quay development.

Project Co-ordinator

11/12/11 Jim

What is the current status of the Tay Hotel?

Project Co-ordinator

Jim, the Tay Hotel have submitted a planning application to completely refurbish the hotel with the aim of achieving 4/5 star status. The owner is working closely with a major hotel operator and should be in a position to make a formal announcement about this in the near future.

11/11/11 MikeWhitehead

Good to have the cycle path reinstated but I surprised to find a massive level change where it meets the storm water tank. It is unmarked and quite disconcerting (especially in the dark). Something of a hazard. Could this be made level?

Project Co-ordinator
Mike, apologies for any inconvenience caused to the cycle path. The current path has been temporarily repaired and it is our intention to further enhance the surface and refine the route. If there are any health and safety issues related to the temporary works we will of course address this as soon as possible. We are currently preparing a plan to enhance the cycle route along the full length of the Waterfront to provide a better experience for existing cyclists and to encourage more cyclists to enjoy Dundee's Waterfront.

05/11/11 John Reid

Just wondering what's happening with the railway station because it's as ugly as the hilton hotel.

Is it getting a makeover or staying the same? I'm really looking forward to the work getting done and the

V&A looks amazing! It would be good if a ferry service or tour boat service was instated to be able to

see the waterfront from a better angle and see the dolphins! :)

Project Co-ordinator
The Waterfront Masterplans intention is to demolish the Hilton hotel and DCC are currently negotiating with the Hilton hotel group re this matter. Your suggestion for a Tay ferry service is an interesting one and we expect that a range of commercial services such as this will be stimulated by the Waterfront Project and the V@A at Dundee project. There is currently river trips on the river operated by Maritime Volunteer Service.

03/11/11 Ian Milne

I read with great interest in today's Glasgow Herald about Mike Galloways presentation at the Expo Conference which in turn led me to your website.

I cannot seem to find any mention of the proposed Biomass Plant anywhere on this site - can someone tell me why it has been omitted? Given that it is the most contentious of proposals that Dundee has seen in generations I am totally astounded that it does not feature on your website at all never mind being given equal footage as the proposed V&A. Indeed I can only find one reference to it in the word bio" which forms part of some generic copy.

Given the Biomass Plant is "proposed" to cost £Millions more than the V&A I find myself being left speechless in it's invisibility on your website. I look forward to you response.

Project Co-ordinator
Ian, re your query regarding the Biomass Plant. The planning application for this project has been called in by the Scottish Government and is not being dealt with by Dundee City Council (DCC).

01/11/11 Holly Keasey

I am currently carrying out a research project as a Dundee-based artist on water relation both locally and globally and was therefore wondering whether there would be a possibility of opening up a dialogue with someone about the Waterfront Development. My main focus is to look at freshwater development, but whilst resident in Dundee it seems impossible to look at water without considering the waterfront.

Project Co-ordinator
Hi Holly, with regard to your e-mail requesting further information on the Dundee Waterfront Project I would wish to refer you to our newly updated website dundeewaterfront.com . Many thanks for your interest in the project.

24/10/11 Wayne Tams

Exciting times for the city, though it could be useful and inspiring if this site showed a timeline incorporating all the different projects, past and future, predicted start dates and finish dates etc. This would give us all something to look forward too and make the waterfront that bit more transparent.

Project Co-ordinator
Thank you for your email. We will be going live with a new look site next week which will include a timeline so I hope you will find this useful.

24/10/11 Gordon Thomson

I am currently carrying out a site analysis on the V&A site as part of my Civil Engineering Meng 5th Year Project. I was wondering if there were any documents available which detailed the final plan of the road layouts and pedestrian routes to the V&A Museum. (i.e for when the V&A opens).
I would be grateful if you could supply this information or send me in the correct direction as this would be hugely beneficial in generating a accurate site analysis.

Project Co-ordinator
I have attached our latest plan showing final waterfront development including V&A, we are currently working on the options for the road layouts at the completion of the V&A this is dependant on a number of variables at the present time. The area around the V&A is being designed by others and at present we do not have any details from them, their design should however follow the attached drawings with regards to access points.

25/08/2011 Chris AJ Brown

Overall the Waterfront project looks fantastic. The reconnection of the city towards the waterfront is long overdue.
One concern I have is that the Discovery ship is being somewhat hidden - even now it is not being shown off enough. Incorporating it within the setting of the new V&A is perfect but it will block a view of the ship as you cross the Tay Bridge. The ship is a stunning piece of history that Dundee is very lucky to be able to showcase to new visitors but losing it behind the V&A building may lose some of its charm.

Project Co-ordinator
We are working very closely with the Discovery Management Team to ensure that we carefully integrate the Discovery and it's surrounding environs with the V&A. We have already agreed to alter the alignment of the proposed development plot immediately to the north east of the V&A (essentially the current Olympia site). This will have the effect of enhancing the views of the Discovery from Union Street and the Rail Station. Whilst some views of the Discovery may be slightly obscured from the Tay Road Bridge the overall positive impact of the V&A to both the City and the Discovery is a relatively small compromise. We are currently working closely with the V&A architects to ensure that the external landscaping for the V&A takes full cognisance of the important relationship that the City has with the Discovery.

16/08/2011 David Freeman

Whilst being overall extremely encouraged by the waterfront regeneration, one or two reservations and queries remain.

1)The height of the buildings being constructed. I realised this has been mentioned but I feel that an important point is being missed by the council. Yes, other riverside cities may have 5 storey plus building along the riverside (ie glasgow), but these rivers are usually narrower and tgus afford lesser views. To build 5 storey building right along the Tay is to preclude most other building from having a view of the river (Dundee's greatest asset). This appears to repeat the mistakes made when the swimming pool and the Hilton were errected.

2) What is the progress with the relocation/demolition of the Hilton? This is a real eye sore and it'd be a great shame if that space couldn't be used more productively.

Project Co-ordinator
1) Many thanks for your kind comments regarding the Dundee Waterfront Project. With regard to your particular query re planned building heights within the Waterfront it is intended that the building heights mirror the building heights within the centre of the city i.e.4/5/6/ stories. In seeking to reconnect the city with the river we felt that this was an important design consideration. In an effort to ensure that we retain clear views of the river we have decided to ensure that the existing city streets are continued in a straight line all the way to the river e.g. Union Street/Castle Street/Crighton Street. In addition the large public/civic space planned for the area from the rear of the Caird Hall will extend all the way to the river affording uninterrupted views from the public/civic space area (all 17,000sqm of it) to the river.

2)We are currently in private negotiations with the Hilton hotel regarding their relocation. The area of land currently occupied by the Hilton hotel will form part of the public/civic space referred to above.

08/08/2011 Mark Allison

I am the Dotcom Manager for Tesco Riverside. We deliver to homes in Fife.

I am looking for information with regards to the demolition of Tayside House and any road closures which may affect the access ramp to the Tay Bridge, in the near future. This will help in planning routes for our vans and providing accurate deliveries to our customers.

Project Co-ordinator
For the demolition of Tayside House, we are looking to relocate vehicles away from the on ramp directly next to Tayside house. The diversion route used will be up the current '4-lane' off ramp. To enable this to happen, the newly constructed ramp will then be opened to take all traffic coming over from Fife.

In practice, for commuting to Tesco Riverside to Fife and back, there will be no significant change of routes or closures in the foreseeable future. Any road/lane/ramp closures which we will be undertaken as part of the Central Waterfront Development will be planned for off peak / night closures, to minimise disruption.

Please note however, that the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board may require to close the bridge (or any ramp) at any time for operational requirements.

01/08/2011 Mark West

To whom it may concern,

Firstly let me start by saying how impressive your plans are for the future waterfront development...fully utilising the truly fantastic geographical location that the Tay Estuary / Dundee has.

Just one Question, do you know what is going to become of the land immediatly east of the Road Bridge, that is at present the Offices, Control Tower and Yard of the The Tay Road Bridge Joint Board ? As it is not clear on the artist impressions / video. Do you know where these offices , tower and yard will relocate to...Fife?

Project Co-ordinator
Many thanks for your kind comments regarding the Dundee Waterfront Project. At this point in the Waterfront Project there are no formal plans for the specific area of land which you refer to. The area immediately to the east south east of the bridge landfall, is clearly however an important area of land and has been the subject of much discussion by the project team. As yet however no formal decision has been taken re this site.

19/07/2011 C Venables

I am writing to ask will there be 2 ways onto the bridge from dundee as there is at present, because if not the city will be a big traffic jam. which leads me onto the next point why is the right access from city quay still in operation people are using the quay as a short cut which makes people trying to get to the quay totally fed up. if you have a diversion round the town what is the point in this. the trafic at the roundabout near new swimming pool was at a standstill yesterday for quite some time, so traffic problems are only getting worse, also i have see several people turn left at the lights off the bridge even tho it says no left turn. what is being done about this

Project Co-ordinator
Hi Carol, I refer to your comments below and would wish to respond as follows. In future, traffic will be able to access the tay road bridge from both east and west. After full consideration,consultation and detailed traffic modelling it was decided to maintain the east bound egress from City Quay. We are still monitoring the effects of this but it does appear that the congestion is beginning to ease. It is inevitable that the closure of a major through road will result in some level of congestion. The issue of traffic turning left from the bridge against the road signage instruction is also being closely monitored. The engineering contractors are making very good progress on this part of the Dundee Waterfront Project and in this instance can only do so by full road closure. We are seeking to manage disruption to the best of our ability and apologies for any inconvience this may cause. The Dundee Waterfront Project is a key project for the transformation of the city and surrounding region, your support is appreciated.