The Eastern Quarter's emergence as a priority in Dundee’s city centre revitalisation efforts has gained interest from Dundee Culture followers and visitors.
This interest surged after the area was mentioned in connection with the new Eden Project active travel route proposal, sparking curiosity about what it is.
So what is the Eastern Quarter?
Well to break it down, it is basically a formal term for "the heart of Dundee city centre", such as the High Street, Commercial Street and the Nethergate. All of these areas will be the next priority area in the council’s long-term vision to enhance and rejuvenate the entire city centre.
As part of the City Centre Strategic Investment Plan (CCSIP), councillors are looking to prioritise this area, marking it as a key focus for development over the next five years.
The Eastern Quarter has been identified for its unique challenges and opportunities, making it central to the ongoing transformation of Dundee’s city centre.
The CCSIP, an ambitious 30-year plan, seeks to address the evolving needs of the city in a post-pandemic world, particularly as traditional high street retail faces challenges from the rise of online shopping.
Focusing on the Eastern Quarter is seen as a crucial step in revitalising this part of the city, making it a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.
A major component of the revitalisation strategy includes a proposed £1 million investment in streetscape improvements along Commercial Street and Murraygate.
These enhancements aim to create a more attractive public realm, potentially reducing commercial vacancies and encouraging footfall.
In addition, a longer-term masterplan is under consideration, which will leverage Dundee’s status as a UNESCO City of Design. This plan will explore innovative design solutions to redefine and improve the Eastern Quarter, ensuring it aligns with the broader goals of the CCSIP.
Several key areas within the Eastern Quarter present both challenges and opportunities. The Wellgate Centre, for example, is a focus for potential short-term support and long-term redevelopment.
Furthermore, the preservation and adaptive reuse of deteriorating historic buildings, such as the King’s Theatre, could significantly contribute to the success of the CCSIP’s objectives.
Additionally, the introduction of the Low Emission Zone could present a long-term opportunity to enhance Seagate for pedestrians, while improving active travel connections from the city centre to areas in the east and north-east.
With these initiatives, the Eastern Quarter is poised to become a vibrant and integral part of Dundee’s future city centre.
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