Wednesday 7 May 2008

Latest planning and transport initiatives

Here's a couple of the latest news releases from the City Council - these matters will be on the agenda of Planning & Transport Committee, the City Council committee I chair, on Monday coming.

The proposed multi-storey car park at Hunter Street will be a boon for the residents in the West Port area and provide parking for students and staff at the University of Dundee - which will, in turn, relieve parking problems in the West End.

The proposed footpath repairs are very welcome news for the West End and for other parts of Dundee too.

MULTI STOREY CAR PARK

A new £7m multi-storey car park with retail space on the ground floor is being proposed to serve the north west of Dundee city centre.


Dundee City Council's planning and transport committee will consider a report recommending development at the site in Hunter Street at its meeting on Monday (May 12).

Committee convener, Fraser Macpherson said: "With around 430 spaces proposed for the car park it will go a long way to meeting the ever increasing need for parking in that area of the city.

"Demand created by Dundee University, student housing and business developments has boosted the number of vehicles during the day, while the vibrant cultural quarter has increased the need for parking spaces at night.

"More than three times the existing number of spaces in the area will enhance the car parking provision in that part of Dundee."

According to a report by director of planning and transportation Mike Galloway an in depth background study has been carried out, and a short list of options costed against council funding guidelines.

The report recommends advertising for a potential partnering contractor to design and build the car park and retail unit on behalf of Dundee City Council as the best solution.

Other commercial proposals could also be put forward to enhance the development, but the new facilities will continue to be owned and operated by Dundee City Council.

The existing street level car parks at Hunter Street and nearby South Tay Street currently have space for 132 cars.
FOOTPATH REPAIRS

More than £300 000 could be spent on repairing footpaths in Dundee in the next year if councillors back the move.

A report to go to the planning and transport committee on Monday (May 12) highlights 24 stretches of path that will be repaired or replaced during 2008/2009.

Convener of the planning and transport committee, Fraser Macpherson said: "£308,000 has been identified to carry out work on those paths most in need.

"The improved condition will make it easier to get around for elderly people, and those whose mobility is impaired, and will also improve the environment in many areas across the city."

Under a partnership agreement with Dundee City Council, Tayside Contracts will carry out the works if they are approved by the committee.

The 24 locations where work is proposed have been picked from the top of a comprehensive list drawn up by the City Engineer and reviewed annually.

Prioritising of individual locations is based on a combination of condition and usage.

NOTE : All areas of the city benefit, but here are the West End streets concerned :

· Blackness Road (south side Annfield Road to Peddie Street)
· Blackness Road (Ashbank Road to Glenagnes Road)
· Elliot Road (north side at cemetery)
· Sycamore Place (Scott Street to Logie Avenue)
· Hawkhill (north side Taits Lane to Blackness Avenue)