Tay Cities Deal leaders meet key partners

Representatives from the Tay Cities Deal leadership group met with key partners in Angus on Friday (17 November) to discuss two of the projects featured in the multi-million Tay Cities Deal.

A key proposal is the creation of a new Montrose to A90 investment corridor.

Speaking from Montrose Port, one of the key players in the emerging public/private sector North Angus partnership, Angus Council leader Bob Myles said: “The creation of a Montrose to A90 investment corridor will open up new development land for commercial, housing, leisure and tourism sites. That offers huge potential for sustainable growth and job creation across the whole area, it is a once in a generation opportunity.”

Nicholas Scott-Gray, chief executive of Montrose Port Authority, said: “The improved connectivity that the infrastructure development will deliver, will increase opportunities for trade, investment and access to employment for the whole area.”

John Alexander, council leader in Dundee, said: “The project will also help accelerate house building across the area, by offering new opportunities for housing land associated with the project. That’s good news for the construction industry and for families keen to live here.”

The next port of call for the leadership group was Hospitalfield in Arbroath, where director Lucy Byatt outlined the centre’s ambition for the future.

“Hospitalfield is a nationally important centre for art and culture. Our ambition is to be not only a world class facility for cultural ideas but also a fantastic place for visitors. By combining capital investment with a clear vision for contemporary cultural programming Hospitalfield will be an exciting part of the Tay Cities tourism offering.”

Cllr Ian Campbell, leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said: “Cultural tourism is a central part of our Tay Cities proposals. We want visitors to have a memorable time at all of our art, design and performance venues, enjoying both unique buildings and extraordinary cultural experiences.”

Underpinning the ambitious Hospitalfield project is economic sustainability and partnership working with other cultural centres across the region and beyond.

Fife Council’s Cllr Karen Marjoram, Tay Cities Joint Committee member, said: “Ambitious developments such as this are at the heart of the Tay Cities Deal, which will make our area fairer and more prosperous. Through working together, we can attract jobs and funding on a scale which will build a region fit for the 21st Century.”

The Tay Cities Deal sets out planned investment of over £1b over 10 years. It is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors, seeking to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross.