I think we’re approaching the problem with Dundee city centre from the wrong angle.

We keep talking about empty shops and business closures, but perhaps the problem isn’t simply a lack of shops.
It’s a lack of reasons for people to come into town in the first place.

People can buy almost anything online. If Dundee wants to compete, it needs to offer experiences people cannot get from shopping on their phones.

Here are a few ideas I’d love to see explored:

🎮 1. Make Dundee a gaming destination
Dundee has a genuine gaming heritage, yet I think we could do much more with it. Why not introduce more gaming arcades, VR experiences and esports venues? The council could partner with local gaming businesses and universities to host regular video game tournaments in the city centre, attracting players, spectators and visitors.

🎳 2. Bring back entertainment
What about a proper ten-pin bowling centre, indoor mini-golf, escape rooms, a larger commercial cinema offering or a family entertainment complex? Dundee already has cinema provision, including DCA, but could a different large-scale offering attract more people?
These attractions would give families, students, couples and groups of friends reasons to visit, even when they have nothing to buy.

🥕 3. A permanent indoor fresh-food market
Dundee is surrounded by farming communities, yet our city centre could do more to connect local producers directly with consumers. Why not explore a year-round indoor market selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and other local produce?
It could give farmers another route to market while attracting regular shoppers. We already have a monthly farmers’ market, but a permanent indoor market would offer something different.

🎪 4. Make the city centre a place where things happen
Regular gaming competitions, family events, live performances and interactive experiences could bring people into town throughout the year. Suitable empty shops could even be used temporarily for pop-up attractions.

The goal isn’t simply to open more businesses. It’s to attract more people so the businesses already struggling can gain more customers.

Someone who comes into town to bowl might grab lunch, visit nearby shops or meet friends for coffee. Of course, this won’t happen automatically, so attractions must be connected to the surrounding businesses.

Dundee doesn’t need to recreate the high street of 20 years ago. It needs a new identity built around entertainment, experiences, culture and community.

So, Dundonians, what one attraction would YOU introduce to Dundee city centre to bring people back?
And if we’ve already discussed these ideas, what’s stopping us from making them happen?

Can't believe Chase & Status are coming to Dundee 🖤

Driving in from out of area. Any recommendations on parking if I am staying at the fisherman's tavern

i'm having an american visitor stay with me around february, and i'm wondering how we can fill our week. my guest will be hiring a car, and he enjoys driving, so we don't mind longish journeys.

ideas so far:

- evening walk up balgay hill/observatory

- 3am clarkies trip (you haven't visited dundee properly without this)

- day in st andrews

bonus: he is a photographer, and loves nature. where are some pretty places i can take him to take photos?

Hi, I’m currently working on a project at my university re-designing the inside of a space for 12-21yr olds. I’m looking for people’s input on a space they feel they were missing/could have done with when they were growing up here. It can be anything you feel would have benefitted you, just looking for a variety of opinions.

Edit: 5 months old not 8.

Video should say it all, but for those who cannot hit play, or maybe something's gone wrong with the audio, or they are not in a position to listen, I'll reiterate here.

Last Thursday, we adopted Bein. Bein is a domestic short hair, and we got him from Cats Protection Arbroath. He is a year and a couple months old.

My wife wasn't too keen on the fact that Bein seemed to like me a lot more, or at least Bein seemed to favour me: if I was the one in the room, Bein would sit with me, and he would only sit with my wife if I wasn't home or wasn't available. That spawned a desire to adopt a second cat that might have the opportunity to bond better with my wife. Before anybody says anything, I know this is a silly reason for adopting a second cat, but it's just what has happened. Let's focus on the future, and I'm laughing as I'm saying that. Also all jokes aside we are completely capable of giving both of these cats a happy life. We are not in any way overcommitting if anyone would be rightfully concerned about such a thing.

Toby, the other cat in the video, is a purebred British Shorthair and is 5 months old. It may also be relevant that Ben is neutered and Toby is not yet, because we've been told that for this particular breed of cat, we should wait until they're a bit older to do that for the sake of proper maturity reasons. I'm not going to argue with the breeder.

It is Toby's second day in the house. He has, for the first time, now come out to the common area, which has been facilitated with some laser pointer fun, so they're in the same space. There's been some hissing, some spatting, and some going at each other, but nothing serious, nothing harmful. Kind of what I would expect to happen with two cats meeting each other for the first time in the same shared space.

What I'm looking for is some advice on how to facilitate bonding between these two, and if you have any, I would love to hear it. Thank you.

Not a euphemism. Currently going through a really rough time and have already reached out for mental health support.

I’m looking for a wholesome distraction in-between talking about it and getting on with my Master’s. Cats have always calmed me down, anyone know where I can just hang out with one for a while?

I am looking for somewhere in Dundee or not too far to service a sewing machine because it is making a terrible noise. I was wondering if anyone knew of any place or person that would have the ability to service it? Thank you!

Looking for a heating engineer with experience with designing and fitting wet underfloor heating (low heat water). Has anyone had this fitted or any experience with a good Engineer/plumber. Thanks!

I've seen they have been removed. Does anyone know if they're being upgraded or if the site is closing down.

Hello. We’ve had a bad leak in our flat in Dundee and looking for recommendations for a roofer to come out and fix the problem. Its a flat roof thats leaking into a bedroom thats 3 stories up if that helps. TIA.

Looking for the best hairdresser/stylist for men in Dundee, grew my hair out and wearing it back and don’t think barbers are making the best job of it, want to try a hairdresser. Does anyone have any recommendations ? Pic for refrence

Hi, I've got an ItIsOn for Dil'se on the Perth Road that was a birthday present. I've phoned both their numbers (the ones on the voucher, website and social media) several times over the past week and both lines seem disconnected.

Additionally, their social media pages haven't been updated since August. Does anyone know if they've closed? Thanks

UPDATE

Got a reply from ItIsOn:

Thanks for the replies & help everyone!

Drew this just in time for my #DundeeDayTrip tomorrow, can't wait 😍

​

Hi everyone, I'm planning to buy a motorcycle, but my flat doesn't have private parking, so I'd have to park it on the street. Is street parking reasonably safe in Dundee? What security measures do you recommend, and are there any affordable secure motorcycle parking spaces or garages available to rent?

Thanks!

Credit to Gurgie, this subreddit, and Cat Protection Arbroath 🐈‍⬛

Is there any way to take action against this? I’ve phoned them every morning asking when a plumber is coming over to fix everything in the bathroom (including the bathroom light which we’ve not had for two weeks). I moved in 4 weeks ago and the bathroom is just falling apart.

I think they blocked my number as it used to ring through and play elevator music but now is silent then just hangs up.

Every day they say a plumber will be there and they never turn up. They even spelt plumber “plummer” so I don’t know if they’re just stupid or lazy. I’m fed up of shitty landlords and letting agents who don’t care that I haven’t been able to shower for a week

Just passed my theory test and I'm finding it hard to connect with a local driving lesson instructor. I'd prefer to patronise a local business rather than the big chains.

So I'm seeking for a manual driving instructor

Just seen The Courier talking about this which got me reminiscing about those freezing cold October mornings. It was back breaking work but somehow fun as all your school pals were there too. Then the pay packet which was used to buy winter clothes. Different times eh? Any other fellow tattie pickers out there?

Anyone here have any recommendations for intensive driving lessons in Dundee? I’m finding it quite difficult to decide who I should go with as many companies advertised are UK-wide and lack local reviews. Advice would be much appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to start doing food delivery in Dundee, potentially around 40–60 hours a week, and I’d really appreciate advice from people who actually deliver around Dundee.

1.For Dundee, would you recommend an e-bike or an e-moped for food delivery? Which one works better for long hours?

2.Which platform is best in Dundee at the moment — Uber Eats, Deliveroo or Just Eat? Is it worth using all three?

3.How much can you realistically make per hour in Dundee after getting some experience? And which times/areas are usually busiest?

I’m looking for honest experiences from current or previous Dundee delivery riders rather than advertised earnings.

Thanks!

Hello. I am on the list with the Dundee lettings centre and they have offered me a flat in this building but I am a little worried after reading some articles. I have autism and I'm not very good socially or with lots of noise.

I was hoping someone could be of help.

Thank you.

Looking for 2 tickets for Dundee Fight Night on 25 November 2026. If anyone has spare tickets or can no longer attend, please DM me. Thanks!