Tay Square mosaic - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that we have previously raised with the City Council the fact that the mosaic in Tay Square in front of The Rep is sadly badly damaged - see photo.

We recently sought an update from the council's Head of Planning and Economic Development on the likelihood of repairs being viable and have now been advised as follows :

"Unfortunately, following assessment it has been concluded that the artwork is beyond repair.

We have been working with colleagues in Roads Maintenance to identify a workable solution.

Trials earlier this year of a new material to fit into the space were unsuccessful. Other solutions are now being explored although I am unable to confirm when this issue will be resolved."

We have asked to be kept informed of any developments with this and will update residents when we hear further. It would be good to get a workable solution that makes the damaged space look good and compliments the sections of the mosaic that are undamaged.

Getting things done - mosaic in Tay Square #dundeewestend

The mosaic outside the Rep in Tay Square is unfortunately needing repair again.

We raised this with the City Council and the Head of Planning & Economic Development has assured us he will ask an appropriate colleague to take repairs forward.

Promotional sign at Tay Square #dundeewestend

As residents may be aware, Shopmobility Dundee was a charity that provided the use of mobility scooters, power and manual wheelchairs for all ages in and around the city centre, and it sadly closed recently after years of providing an excellent service.

One member of the former Shopmobility team has pointed out that the promotional sign in Tay Square (pictured) near to The Rep still features the service.

We have therefore asked the City Council to have the signage updated and the Head of Planning & Economic Development has advised :

"You may be aware that several of the wayfinding signs in the city centre area have been vandalised and we are in the process of repairing these.

Where appropriate, the content of signs is being updated as part of this work.

Thankfully, the sign at Tay Square has not suffered from vandalism, although we recognise that the information regarding Shopmobility is out of date.

There are signs at City Square and the Bus Station that will also need to be updated for the same reason.

We will seek to progress this, subject to funding being found."

Temporary Traffic Order - Tay Square

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 : SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Scottish Water investigation works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Tay Square (from no.2 to approx. 20 metres south), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 23 November 2015 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Tay Square / South Tay Street / Tay Square.

For further information contact 433168.

Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Photopolis : Tay Square

Tay Square is the present-day location of The Rep theatre. It stands to the west of South Tay Street, which runs north from Nethergate to the junction with Overgate to the east and West Port to the west.

It is impossible to date this photograph below by Alexander Wilson as not only are there no visible names, but there was very little change of ownership over a considerable time span anyway. No 9. (the house behind the central tree!) was home to James H. Laing. 

No. 10 belonged to David Ogilvy, tailor, and No. 11 is listed in the Dundee Directory as Peter Steven FRCSE, a surgeon. The photographer set up in front of Tay Square United Free Church (ministered to by Rev. Robert Lang), looking north.

Mosaic in Tay Square - repairs now complete

Earlier this year, on behalf of constituents, I requested of the City Council repairs to the mosaic in Tay Square in front of the Rep.

The City Council's Planning Officer (Public Art) has now advised me that the repairs are now complete - see below :

BEFORE

AFTER

Mosaic in Tay Square - repairs agreed

Just before Christmas, I highlighted deterioration to the mosaic at Tay Square - see right.

At the time, I had contacted the City Council about this seeking repairs.

I have now had the following response from the Head of Planning :

"We have now completed the investigation.  Works will be undertaken to address the existing problem areas as well as other areas that have the potential to deteriorate in future.  

The materials to be used require temperatures to exceed 10ºC.  Therefore, the works are likely to be undertaken in the spring."

Mosaic in Tay Square - repairs needed

Four years ago, the City Council repaired the mosaic outside the Rep, following my raising the matter with the Director of City Development.

Unfortunately it is again needing repair :

I have therefore asked the City Council to undertake necessary repairs.

Photopolis : Tay Square

Tay Square is the present-day location of The Rep theatre. It stands to the west of South Tay Street, which runs north from Nethergate to the junction with Overgate to the east and West Port to the west.

It is impossible to date this photograph by Alexander Wilson as not only are there no visible names, but there was very little change of ownership over a considerable time span anyway. No 9. (the house behind the central tree!) was home to James H. Laing. 

No. 10 belonged to David Ogilvy, tailor, and No. 11 is listed in the Dundee Directory as Peter Steven FRCSE, a surgeon. The photographer set up in front of Tay Square United Free Church (ministered to by Rev. Robert Lang), looking north.

Tay Square lighting improvements

I am advised by Dundee City Council that, as a result of Dundee Partnership investment in the Cultural Quarter, from 23rd to 28th August Tay Square will be partially closed to vehicles for five days to allow completion of lights embedded into the road immediately outside the Rep Theatre and for resurfacing works.  

The City Council advises me that any disruption to the surrounding premises and servicing will be kept to a minimum during the five day road closure and thereafter the surrounding properties will benefit from a significantly enhanced Tay Square.  

If any residents require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the City Council on 433594.

The mosaic outside the Rep

The mosaic outside the Rep in Tay Square is needing repair - and this has been reported to me by residents and my good friend and party colleague Depute Provost Willie Wilson of Perth and Kinross, who noticed the need for repair during a visit to Dundee!

The mosaic was last repaired, following my request, in 2006.

I contacted the Director of City Development about the latest concerns and have been given the following and positive feedback :

"Fraser

I can confirm that as part of the Public Realm Improvements recently completed in South Tay Street it is planned to undertake repairs to the damaged mosaic paving in Tay Square. An artist has been commissioned to carry out the mosaic repairs and this work is scheduled to commence on Thursday 29 July. It is anticipated that the works will take one week to complete although this is weather dependant."

Tay Square

The south leg of Tay Square will be closed for traffic for one day this Sunday (22nd March) and again for single days the following two Sundays (29th March and 5th April) to enable telecommunications ducting works to take place.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained throughout and the one-way order relating to Tay Square will be suspended during these three Sundays to enable traffic to exit Tay Square.

Tay Square mosaic

Last year, following my request, the City Council arranged repair of the mosaic in the square, in front of the Rep (click on headline above to read more).

A resident contacted me recently to say bits of the mosaic have broken off and I therefore contacted the Economic Development Department about this. I have now received the following positive response :

"We have now inspected the Square and agree it needs some attention.
We will liaise with the Public Art Officer and ascertain the best method of remediation."

Good news at Pinegrove and Tay Square

Remember the mis-spelt name plate at Pinegrove in Shepherd's Loan (from October 6th blog entry - click on headline above to read) - pleased to say received following news from Planning & Transportation today :

"We have been notified by the contractor that the mis-spelt name plate for Shepherd's Loan at Pinegrove should be replaced during week commencing 6th November."

And good news also at Tay Square regarding the mosaic repair outside the Rep (see http://frasermacpherson.blogspot.com/2006/10/tay-sqaure-mosaic-not-finished-but.html for earlier story) - as you can see above right, its now restored to its former condition. I noticed this earlier today when delivering letters to Tay Square residents advising them that next Sunday (and the following one - ie 5th & 12th November) the Tay Square roadway will be closed for cabling works to take place - pedestrian access is unaffected.

Off soon to this evening's Blackness Area Residents' Association meeting ...

Tay Square

I received a complaint yesterday that in Tay Square at the doctor's surgery - the pend on the right-hand side - where the recycling bins are - some of the setted surface is loose and one cassie is lying on its side.

Very efficient feedback this afternoon from the City Council :

"One of the inspectors from our team on his site visit has identified loose Cassie stones/covers. The area is adopted. A works order will be issued to Tayside Contracts to undertake the work."

Tay Square Mosaic ... not finished but getting there ...

The repair to the mosaic in Tay Square is not yet finished as the photo (right) testifies to but I am assured by the City Council that its all in hand & will be finished soon. It'll be good to see the mosaic (in front of the Rep) properly restored.

A busy Saturday helping my sister in law (Cllr Helen Dick) & her team deliver part of Strathmartine Ward - and - what a team! - delivered in no-time. Offered to help Sunday - not needed, all done!

But I've a West End leaflet to write, so time not exactly wasted!