6 March 2009

Dundee City Council Civic Award 2009

Presentation of the award to winner Angela Harper

Proposals by a University of Dundee student for an escalator to carry people with mobility problems up the city’s notoriously steep Hilltown have helped her win this year’s Dundee City Council Civic Award.

Angela Harper, originally from Gretna, received a £200 cash prize after impressing the judging panel with a presentation outlining her ideas for regenerating the Hilltown area. These included the plan for the escalator running from the Wellgate Shopping Centre to the steepest point of Hilltown.

She was one of three MA Town and Regional Planning students from the University shortlisted for the award. Runners-up Ulrika Engstrom from Sweden and Dundee’s Beth Galloway received £50 each.

Judges Councillor Tom Ferguson, Depute Convener Dundee City Council Planning and Transportation, Ian Mudie, Head of Planning, and Wilma Duncan, Chairperson of the Central Regeneration Area reviewed each proposal before making their award.

Angela expressed her delight, saying, 'The presentation featured urban renewal projects that could be used to improve the aesthetic of the area, improve access for residents and attract more visitors to the area.'

'The escalator is an idea I’ve seen used in other countries and could help the elderly, disabled, mothers with prams and anyone who gets out of puff by the time they reach the top of the Hilltown!'

Councillor Tom Ferguson presented the three finalists with their prizes and praised them for the quality of the presentations.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk