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Like a number of Scottish cities, the city centre has benefited from a considerable investment programme over the period of 1991-1996 of nearly £151 million, with £61 million from the public sector, and £80 million from the private sector. This is due to a partnership created between Scottish Enterprise, through the Local Enterprise Company; and other major players, including Scottish Enterprise Homes.
A major part of the public investment went into completing the ring road in a tunnel and developing a fine new block of flats above, to sell at affordable prices. It has proved easier to attract private investment into housing than commercial development. A Housing Association led community initiative has replaced a large amount of system built housing with houses and small gardens. The involvement of Dundee’s business community has ensured that economic opportunities are opened up, integrating peripheral estates with the rest of the city.
The upgrading of the public realm has encouraged private investment. The main shopping centre has been imaginatively upgraded, and the redevelopment if another centre is now due to follow. Marks & Spencer, who had been sceptical of the prospects, has since invested £6 million into upgrading and expanding their store. As a result of the centre’s improvements, new stores are expected to open up, as well as an expansion in the number and range of restaurants.
A comprehensive City Centre regeneration initiative covers all aspects of Dundee including housing, tourism, marketing and environment. Delivery of regeneration projects has been co-ordinated through the Dundee Partnership comprising the main public sector agencies and the Dundee City Centre Action Group which brings the private sector together.
Dundee was one of the pioneers of town centre management. However, despite the success of the initiatives in attracting capital finding, there is a continuing problem of maintaining funding, and items such as all-year-round planting of hanging baskets and flower beds has been axed as an economy measure. It has also proved difficult to get businesses to contribute much to the ongoing of town centre management.
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