| Mr Bruce Mackie said although it had long been known the car park in question was a temporary site, it had also been known for more than two years — since the council approved the building of new offices on the site — closure was inevitable.
“There is, understandably, concern over the closure of this site,” he said. “A substantial number of spaces are being lost in the central area. This is bound to create additional pressures on other parking in the area. I would hope the city council will pursue the provision of alternative sites as quickly as possible.”
The 200-space central waterfront car park is due to close the week after next to allow work to start on the construction of new offices for Scottish Enterprise Tayside.
The lease on SET’s current HQ in North Lindsay Street is due to expire at the end of this year. The local enterprise company will lease the new, 18,000 square feet, three-storey building.
The development will cost some £2 million to complete.
A city council spokesman said today the authority is continuing to look at suitable sites to replace the parking adjacent to the station, which will disappear in a few days’ time.
However, one site the council will not be pursuing for possible parking use is the vacant land immediately adjacent to the Regulation of Care offices at Discovery Quay.
There has been speculation that moves were being made to develop the site as a multi-storey car park.
The council spokesman confirmed today officials had looked at the site, but ruled it out because of problems with access.
The prime site, which has been vacant for many years, is owned by Discovery Quay Developments, a partnership between Scottish Enterprise National, Glasgow-based developers HBG and London-based financing company Highbridge, and will continue to be marketed for inward investment.
The city council spokesman said there are long-stay parking places available at nearby Olympia, Earl Grey and Seabraes (Sensation) car park.
“In addition, anyone with a disabled badge who wants to leave their vehicle while they take the train away for a few days can park their car in the short-stay car par park at Dundee Station. If someone wants more secure parking they can go to Gellatly Street.”
The office project is going ahead to capitalise on remaining benefits of Enterprise Zone status, which once applied to the site. |
