Plans to tear down former Magdalen Green railway station bridge approved by Dundee councillors

Plans to tear down Dundee’s Magdalen Green footbridge and replace it with a new structure have been approved by councillors.

The bridge was built in 1933 and is the only remaining structure from the old Magdalen Green railway station – which shut down in 1956.

However, the structure is now deemed to be in poor condition and is at the end of its “design life.”

Proposals to transform the bridge, which connects the popular park with the waterfront and Riverside Drive, were first revealed back in 2019.

Two planning applications went before councillors on the local authority’s planning committee on Monday.

One application sought to demolish the existing bridge, whilst the other was seeking permission to build a new bridge.

Proposals slammed as cultural vandalism

During the meeting, multiple deputations were made asking councillors to reject the plans to replace the bridge.

Addressing the committee, Mary Mackenzie said: “To approve this design and allow its construction would be the biggest act of cultural vandalism inflicted on Dundee since the destruction of the old Overgate in the 60s.

“Magdalen Green is Dundee’s oldest park and is a vital part of the West End, much loved by residents.

“The proposed design is completely inappropriate for a conservation area.

“We’ve lost too much of Dundee’s heritage already.

“Dundee’s oldest park deserves better to say the least.”

Other concerns raised by objectors included fears of increased anti-social behaviour and the possible adverse impact on local wildlife.

Bridge beyond economic repair

However, speaking in favour of the applications, Dundee City Council’s project engineer Graeme Boyd laid out the case for the bridge replacement.

He argued the current 1930s bridge is “beyond economic repair” and would likely be removed from service within the next five years.

It was also said that Network Rail’s current requirements and accessibility regulations have resulted in the new bridge plans being considerably larger in size than the original structure.

Councillors approve new bridge plans

The proposals also split the opinion of councillors and Liberal Democrat Fraser Macpherson put forward an amendment asking fellow committee members to block the plans.

He said: “This would be fine for a walkway over the M8 perhaps but is completely inappropriate for a centuries-old historic parkland.”

However, he failed to secure the votes needed – with 11 voting in favour of the bridge replacement and nine against.

Councillors also subsequently voted to approve the application seeking the demolition of the bridge.