Fabulous launch of #DiscoveryWalk

I was delighted to attend yesterday’s unveiling of Discovery Walk at Slessor Gardens in the Waterfront and the evening reception for the families of those honoured in the walk.  

 

Having served on the Discovery Walk Committee, it was tremendous to see just how fabulous the walk is – a great addition to the waterfront – and thanks go to all my colleagues on the committee, all others who have supported the project but in particular to Kelly Marr, who has been the driving force in moving the project to such a successful fruition, and to Suzanne Scott, whose design skills have made the high quality plaques a reality.

 

The Courier has posted a good video of the unveiling – you can see this by clicking ‘play’ below – and also below are a few of my photos from what was a fabulous day for Dundee :

The unveiling event

Mary Slessor (Lynne Binnie) and Mary Lily Walker (Hollie Whitfield) attended the unveiling

One of the plaques

The Lord Provost addresses the evening reception at Discovery Point

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Busy Monday …

It has been a busy Monday – including :

 

+ A meeting of the Tay Road Bridge Board.    In addition to the usual business about board administration and finances, there was an update on the proposed 50th anniversary celebrations that will take place on Sunday 21st August.   Events will take place on the bridge and in the new Slessor Gardens and there will be a photography competition, vintage buses and other vehicles taking part, a pipe band, a memorabilia roadshow and public art on display.

 

+ A meeting of the Rail Station Concourse Project Board.   It was good to hear the progress with the construction which is well on programme.

 

+ Two ward surgeries – at the Mitchell Street Centre and the West Park Centre.

 

+ A meeting of the Discovery Walk Committee.   The Discovery Walk will comprise of plaques set into the paved area of the green space at the heart of the waterfront development – to celebrate the contributions of Dundee people who have contributed to science and society in a highly visible and permanent way.    The walk will be officially opened on 6th April and tonight’s meeting discussed the details of the opening, which will be a great day for Dundee.

Great progress with Discovery Walk

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the latest meeting of the committee to progress the excellent Discovery Walk proposal.       As I have previously mentioned, Discovery Walk will comprise of bronze plaques set into the paved area of Slessor Square, in the heart of the city’s waterfront development and it will celebrate the contributions of Dundee people who have contributed to science and society in a highly visible and permanent way.  

 

At the latest meeting, we ‘proofed’ several of the plaques that tell the fascinating stories behind these individuals and their discoveries and inventions.

 

The plaques look superb – a draft example can be seen (above right) – with the walk to be officially opened in this coming April.

Central Waterfront site visit – and Starter Packs Official Opening

Yesterday, I had a highly informative tour of the Central Waterfront kindly provided by the City Engineer and one of his Senior Engineers.    

 

It is only when you walk round the main civic space (to be known as Slessor Gardens) that the sheer size of the new civic area becomes apparent, as does the high quality of the work undertaken and finished result – something the city will be really proud of.

 

Here’s a couple of photographs :

 

I also had the pleasure yesterday of attending the Official Opening of the new Starter Packs premises in Forest Park Road, and saying a few words at the opening about the great work the charity undertakes in providing vital home ‘starter packs’ for resettling homeless and needy individuals and families in the Dundee area.

 

You can read more about Starter Packs here and here’s a photo from yesterday’s opening :

Discovery Walk – latest update

I have previously mentioned that I am taking part in the informal committee to progress the excellent Discovery Walk proposal.

 

The Discovery Walk will comprise of plaques set into the paved area of the Green Space at the heart of the city’s huge new waterfront development – to celebrate the contributions of Dundee people who have contributed to science and society in a highly visible and permanent way.  Bronze plaques in the pavement will tell the fascinating stories behind these individuals and their discoveries and inventions.

 

The committee met yesterday to review progress and finalise the plaques.   The plaques look superb and the walk is on course to be officially opened in April 2016.    

 

I have no doubt that Discovery Walk will enhance the new Waterfront and be another asset for our city.

Safety outside schools, Discovery Walk and Dinner for Jim Thewliss

Yesterday, I participated in the latest meeting of the School Parking and Pupil Safety Working Group at which a group of senior council officers, councillors, head teachers and parent council representatives discuss and tackle safety and parking issues at our schools across the city.    

 

We had a good discussion about a number of issues including risk assessments, safer routes to schools, issues at various schools and the safety planning for new schools projects including Harris Academy.

 

Thereafter, I attended the latest meeting of the Discovery Walk committee that took place at the University of Dundee.   

 

I have previously mentioned the proposal for “Discovery Walk” in the new Waterfront area that will initially comprise nine plaques set into the paved area of the Green Space that depict some of the great Dundonians who have made a real contribution to the city in the field of discovery.

 

Yesterday, following public consultation, the nine initial winning nominees were chosen and will be announced imminently this morning on Wave 102 and in the local press today (so mum’s the word meantime!)    

Last night, after my ward surgery at Blackness Primary School, I had the great pleasure of attending the retiral dinner for Jim Thewliss, Head Teacher of Harris Academy, at the Invercarse Hotel.     

There were great speeches by Jim’s colleagues, former colleagues, the Parent Council Chair and Jim himself and it was a memorable night and a fitting tribute to Jim and his superb work at Harris Academy over 18 years.

Central Waterfront overnight road closures for surfacing work

From Dundee City Council :

 

You will be aware that Dundee City Council is currently re-developing the Central Waterfront of Dundee. Another important stage of the project, involves the resurfacing work at the junction between Union Street and Yeaman Shore and also the resurfacing of the junction between South Union Street and South Marketgait westbound to Greenmarket car park. 

 

To ensure the safety of the public and workforce and minimise disruption to the road network while work will be undertaken using two overnight road closures. On street parking will be suspended on both sides of Whitehall Crescent during this period.

 

The second closure will be at the junction between South Union Street and South Marketgait westbound to Greenmarket car park and all westbound traffic will be diverted via the ring road.

 

Both of these closures will be in place over two nights between 7pm and 6am on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday (June 25).

 

Access to the Railway Station Lay-by at Riverside Drive will be maintained via Riverside Drive during the closure and the taxi rank will remain operational.

 

To minimise the noise generated by the works, our contractor Sir Robert McAlpine will be undertaking the majority of the noisiest activities at the start of the night closure.   During the closures, the noisiest works to the west of the Malmaison Hotel, will be curtailed by 11pm.   The contractor will be doing everything possible to ensure that noise is kept to a minimum during the night time hours. 

 

It is hoped that the long term benefits will outweigh the inconvenience during construction.  Further information and updates regarding the work will be available via our website www.dundeewaterfront.com.  

 

You have any queries or require to discuss the project further please call 433063 or via email – info@dundeewaterfront.com.