Broughty Ferry up for Prestigious ‘Best Neighbourhood’ Award
Dundee’s Seaside Town wins out over 65 UK towns to impress The Academy of Urbanism
Broughty Ferry has been nominated as one of three finalists for the Academy of Urbanism Great Neighbourhood Award for 2015. Broughty Ferry, the only Scottish finalist, was shortlisted following an open nominations exercise and made the final three despite strong competition from 65 neighbourhoods in the UK. The other two finalists in the same category are Devonport, Plymouth and Holbeck Urban Village, Leeds.
Three Academy judges, Richard Guise, John Lord and Francis Newton, visited Broughty Ferry on 12 August. The visit began with a presentation from local representatives including members of Broughty Ferry Traders Association, the Community Council, Broughty in Bloom, local Councillors, Community Police and officials from Dundee City Council. The presentation and discussion was followed by a walkabout, despite the inclement weather, which included a visit to the recently refurbished railway station and Grove Academy followed by lunch featuring local produce at Bruach. Next on the agenda was a ride to the Barnhill Rock Garden on the Local Motion Land Train. The day ended in traditional seaside town style at multi award winning Visocchi’s Cafe where the judges enjoyed ice cream sundaes.
Willie Watt, a partner in Broughty Ferry architect's Nicoll Russell Studios and Broughty Ferry Traders Association committee member said:
"The news that Broughty Ferry had been nominated for the Academy of Urbanism's Best Neighbourhood Award was a wonderful surprise. The fact that the Ferry is now a finalist alongside Devonport and a neighbourhood in Leeds, having fought off stiff competition from over 65 entrants is even better news. This underlines to a much wider audience that the Ferry is a wonderful place. Of course those of us who work, rest and play here already know that. That dynamic is exactly what appealed to the Academy, but Broughty Ferry's attractions, its unique sense of place, community pride, shopping and leisure offers, environment and broad housing mix can at times all be taken for granted or come as a surprise to many from further afield. It is therefore heartening that such a prominent international body has underlined just how special the town is and the degree to which other town and neighbourhoods can learn from the Ferry. Whatever happens in the judges' deliberations all three communities are winners and I sincerely hope that Broughty Ferry can attract even more visitors and more business as a result of this important accolade."
Richard Guise, Academician said:
‘There’s no doubt that all three of the finalists are winners. We would like to thank the people of Broughty Ferry for making us so welcome and for showing us why this small town is so successful.’
The winners will be announced at The Urbanism Awards Ceremony in London on 14 November.
Notes to editors:
The ‘Best Neighbourhood’ Award is assessed on the following criteria:
1. Leadership and Governance
2. Local character
3. Amenity
4. Commercial Success and Viability
5. Environmental Sustainability
6. Community, Health and wellbeing
7. Connectivity
The official website of the Broughty Ferry Traders Association is www.cometobroughty.co.uk