Dundee's Union Street to stay pedestrianised for good

Union St
Author: Callum ClarkPublished 23rd Apr 2021

Dundee's development convener says a temporary pedestrianisation of Union Street will become permanent.

Street art and outdoor seating has replaced parked cars since last summer.

It was to aid social distancing during the pandemic.

The road is currently getting a fresh coat of paint, days before hospitality premises will be able to open their doors.

Councillor Mark Flynn said: "We want to see the city centre change and develop, so as far as I'm concerned the pedestrianisation will be here permanently. It's been welcomed by both residents, citizens and the business owners which is really important.

"Initially the feedback was quite concerning to be completely honest but over time the mood of the people has changed and everyone I've spoken to has welcomed the change."

The project was supported by UNESCO City of Design Dundee who worked to ensure input from businesses influenced the changes and overall design.

Delivery vehicles still have access between 11pm and 11am and buses will continue to follow alternative routes until the end of the year.

Dundee City Council was awarded £460,000 from the Scottish Government’s Spaces for People Fund in May, which as well as being spent on the temporary pedestrianisation of Union Street covers work to introduce 20mph zones and through traffic reduction on various routes.

Funded by Scottish Government and managed by Sustrans Scotland, Spaces for People is a temporary infrastructure programme in Scotland offering funding and support to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for permitted journeys and exercise, while physical distancing is in place during Covid-19 and as we transition out of lockdown.

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