A new streetscape and development opportunity is to take shape over the coming months in Dundee as work on the Lochee regeneration masterplan continues.

The work will see the second phase of demolition of the former Highgate Centre and the recreation of a number of historical streets and paths.

A framework for the regeneration plans were approved in 2008 and highlighted a number of areas of improvement, including poor quality housing, the high number of vacant retail units and a lack of modern retail opportunities as well as transport connections.

In the next few weeks, Aimer Square/Balgay Street will be connected to Lochee High Street, with the new St Ann Lane opposite the library, while the next stages of the project will see the creation of a new car park/events space including a small area of green space on the High Street.

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The first phase of the Highgate was cleared away in December 2012 and the underpass has been closed to be replaced with a pedestrian crossing, while Farmfoods, one of the main shops in the area has built and opened a new shop on the prominent Flights Lane. The building adjacent to it is also being marketed by Dundee City Council for a range of uses appropriate for the District Centre, and the council is also developing improvement projects for the surrounding areas to keep up the regeneration momentum.

Will Dawson, Convener of Dundee City Council's City Development Committee said: "A lot has already been done in the past year with the replacement of unpopular housing and the first stage of demolishing the Highgate, as well as other physical changes to the High Street and surrounding areas.

"When Highgate is completely razed it will clear the way for the route of the new Bank Street to connect the by-pass to the High Street and link the heart of the commercial area with opportunities for improved transport connections.

"The masterplan that is fast emerging was endorsed by community groups last year. We have been working closely with community representatives, traders and other interested groups throughout the redevelopment process, and while it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time, in general terms the masterplan has been welcomed as a positive step towards regenerating this lively and historic part of the city."

(JP/CD)