ANDREW BATCHELOR: Unused Dundee waterfront sites deserve to be transformed in the short term

Some of the vacant spaces at the waterfront (Picture: Google Earth)

When I saw SaltDog Marine’s recent post about Dundee’s waterfront, it struck a chord with me.

SaltDog have been spending their summers showing visitors the beauty of the Tay – dolphins, seals, seabirds and more – and I had the chance to go out with them again earlier this year, which was a fantastic experience and a reminder of the brilliant work they do for the city. After a season out on the water, they turned their attention back to the city centre.

What was highlighted was something many of us have noticed but perhaps stopped questioning: for all the £1 billion invested in the waterfront, too much of it is still defined by hoardings covered in graffiti.

People have been asking me for my thoughts on Ian Ashton, who runs SaltDog Marine, and the points he raised.

Ian made the point that these empty plots don’t need to stay this way. His idea was refreshingly simple – clear the rubbish, take down the hoardings, and grass the sites.

Imagine wildflower meadows with walking paths, spaces that encourage wildlife and give people something to enjoy while we wait for development to catch up.

Or an arts sculpture or outdoor exhibition space that can be utilised over the summer and even winter months?

It would even make the area more attractive to future investors compared to the emptiness we’ve had for nearly a decade.

I think he is absolutely right. I’ve seen those same hoardings, and it’s disheartening to know visitors are greeted by vandalised boards at the heart of our city.

Even if major projects take years to materialise, there’s no reason why these plots can’t be used creatively in the meantime.

As I say, even a grassy area, a sculpture trail, or even temporary art exhibits – much like the pop-up uses of empty shop units on Reform Street – would all show a bit of imagination and pride in Dundee.

It’s not just about looks either. If those plots were opened up, they could expand what’s possible at Slessor Gardens.

Ian brought up the idea of bigger concerts, summer festivals, markets, even sports events could spill into the wider space.

That’s not just good for the city’s image, it’s good for businesses, residents, and the people who come here to enjoy what Dundee has to offer.

This conversation also links in with the news that Dundee has secured a share of £500,000 for cultural regeneration in the city centre, turning empty units into creative hubs.

That’s proof that change can happen now, not just in the distant future. Why not apply the same mindset to the waterfront?

A whole generation of Dundonians are growing up knowing only hoardings and graffiti as part of their city. That shouldn’t be normal. The people of Dundee deserve better – and with a little imagination, we can give it to them.