LibDems seek urgent assurances over future of Murraygate plans
Dundee Liberal Democrat councillors have sought assurances that ambitious plans to regenerate the city's struggling Murraygate and wider Eastern Quarter will not be watered down because of rising costs.
The move follows reports that increasing costs could impact on the £1.5 million improvement scheme for Murraygate, part of the wider Eastern Quarter regeneration project.
Liberal Democrat Group Leader Bailie Fraser Macpherson has written to the City Council's Director of City Development and Head of Planning and Economic Development seeking clarification on the latest estimated costs, whether any elements of the proposals could be reduced or delayed, and the implications for the wider Eastern Quarter project.
Bailie Macpherson said:
"The Liberal Democrat Group on the council has repeatedly highlighted the worrying deterioration of Murraygate, with the loss of major retailers, increasing numbers of empty shops and declining footfall.”
"The closure of Marks and Spencer was a huge blow, and the forthcoming closure of TG Jones is another setback. The latest figures showing city centre shop vacancies continuing to rise underline just how serious the challenge has become.”
"We warmly welcomed the Eastern Quarter regeneration proposals when they were announced because Murraygate and the surrounding streets desperately need meaningful investment to restore confidence, attract businesses and bring people back into the city centre.”
"However, the latest reports about rising costs raise a real concern that we could be seeing the ground being prepared for a scaling back of what was originally promised.
We fully recognise the financial pressures facing the council, but it would be deeply disappointing if the regeneration ambitions were watered down just when investment is most urgently needed.”
"I have therefore asked senior council officers for clarity on the latest costs, whether any reductions or delays are being considered, and what this means for the wider Eastern Quarter proposals.”
"Improving paving, lighting, planting and street furniture is welcome, but we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. Murraygate needs a genuine revival, not simply a few cosmetic improvements.”
"The council must also address the wider issues of cleanliness, graffiti, antisocial behaviour and the loss of our City Centre Ambassadors, whose reinstatement the Liberal Democrats have consistently called for.”
"Dundee's city centre has enormous potential. We want to see the Eastern Quarter project succeed, and it is vital that the council maintains the ambition and momentum needed to turn around the fortunes of this important part of our city."