REGENERATION IN STOBSWELL 2001 - 2009
Stobswell had long been a popular neighbourhood with many Dundonians. However during the 1990's with changing housing policy, factory closures and redundant road proposals the picture had changed.

In 2001 and 2002 flats in the area were difficult to sell. There were complaints about poor maintenance, dereliction and an overall decline in neighbourhood.
At the corner of Victoria Street and Albert Street around 2001.
At the corner of Victoria Street and Albert Street around 2001.
Back Courts
Many back courts have been upgraded.


The City Council and its partners, Communities Scotland and Scottish Enterprise Tayside, responded to community concerns. Turley Associates were commissioned to carry out a study of the area generating ideas to rectify the problems. Turley's undertook workshops in the community and involved many local people and groups. Their report provided long term suggestions for reviving the neighbourhood.


"[The regeneration work has been] brilliant! Baxter Park is great, the new play park at Stobsmuir park is great when it's dry. It has really improved the appearance of the area."
Sally, Martin Street


Plan for regeneration

The Partnership agreed a five year Regeneration Strategy in agreement with the Stobswell Forum. This document and the associated plan can be downloaded here.

Play area for young children in Baxter Park.
Play area for young children in Baxter Park.


A key objective was "to demonstrate the long term viability of inner city communities by achieving a sustainable regeneration of Stobswell". The basic task was to restore Stobswell to its previous status as Dundee's third most popular inner suburb.

The outcomes expected were:

  1. A more stable neighbourhood with greater housing choice
  2. Greater neighbourhood satisfaction with a perception of a safe neighbourhood
  3. Rising property values and reduced turnover in residents
  4. Improved physical environment with no derelict land or property, and improved fabric of property and a reduction in litter and unmanaged refuse.

A detailed programme of work focused on:
1. Spatial Framework and Environmental Investment Programme:

  • Remove dereliction
  • Introduce new house building to improve housing choice and tenure choice
  • Improve the quality of the tenement environment and the maintenance of the tenements
  • Improve the shopping environment of Albert Street
  • Undertake environmental and streetscape improvement

This physical work was supported by:
2. Socio - Economic Programme:

  • Promote community engagement
  • Sustain community facilities
  • Develop training and employment
  • Promote improved health
  • Promote youth projects
  • Promote better property management
  • Market the neighbourhood


"Good idea giving local people the opportunity to be involved in development in their area. I would also have liked to see the Woodside area included in the Regeneration Programme."
Roma Fairweather, Woodside Terrace


Outcome

A great deal of focused investment from both the public sector and the private sector was made and continues to make a real difference to the quality of environment now enjoyed in Stobswell. New houses and flats for rent by housing associations and new houses and flats for sale by private developers, around 400 in total, is broadening the housing choice in the area.

Ferguson Street Car Park
Ferguson Street Car Park

A programme of environmental works and streetscape improvements increased the off street parking considerably for the benefit of shops and residents, introduced smart recycling facilities, and brightened streets with new trees. The whole area has had the streetlighting upgraded with white light.

A Facade Enhancement Grant Scheme for shops to refurbish their shopfronts has been established, to smarten the shopping street.

You can download a presentation of the progress being made with many more before and after photos as a pdf file here.


"There's been a big change and all for the good of the people."
Bert Forbes, Park Avenue
STOBSWELL FORUM
Baxter Park      Clepington      Maryfield      Stobswell      Woodside