Dundee could be in for a transformation if an ambitious plan to regenerate the town bears fruit. The plan was unveiled by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) at a meeting of stakeholders last week.
The purpose of the urban regeneration project is to devise interventions designed to restore the status of, and generally beautify, the town as an attractive place to work and live in.
It also aims to attract, retain and facilitate the expansion of business operations in Dundee. According to Zanele Manyanga, Inland Regional Manager of COGTA, the project will take six months to complete and will be orchestrated in four phases.
The phases will include the inception phase, situation analysis, draft urban renewal plan and close out phase.
The stakeholders who were present were given the chance to voice issues facing each sector, which the regeneration plan is set to eradicate.
These issues included the development of the informal market, after concerns were raised over vending on pavements.
As a result the idea of developing a demarcated area for informal trade was brought forward.
The placing of welcome signs at the entrances to Dundee was also discussed, as it is believed that these signs create a good first impression of the town. Without them visitors are supposedly left with a poor impression of Dundee.
The building of public facilities such as toilets and the developing of parks and open spaces are also high on the list of priorities. There are also concerns about street traders and associated litter, business rate tariffs that impact on the viability of B and Bs and general neglect within the town.
