What’s Coming in the Next 12 Months
Douglas Connections is a landscape‑led regeneration initiative within Water Resilient Dundee. Its aim is to create a safer, greener and more climate‑resilient Douglas through nature‑based solutions, improved public spaces and better connections between homes, schools, parks and the wider community.
Across the coming year, work will focus on detailed design, community engagement, and phased improvements across streets, parks and public spaces. The project will also continue integrating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage rainfall, reduce flood risk and enhance biodiversity.
Key Priorities for the Next 12 Months
1. Advancing Design & Technical Development
- Completion of outline‑to‑detailed design packages for the district, including green and blue infrastructure proposals such as integrated SuDS basins, rain gardens and improved drainage routes.
- Preparation of costed options to support funding applications and governance processes.
2. Streets & Active Travel Improvements
Over the next year, the project will refine and prepare delivery plans for safer, greener streets, including:
- School Street transformations to improve safety at Claypotts Castle Primary School and St Pius Primary School.
- Crossing and junction improvements at Ballindean Road, Balunie Avenue and other key routes.
- Traffic‑calming measures along Balbeggie Street and Balunie Drive.
These changes aim to improve daily walking and cycling journeys for families and support healthier, low‑carbon travel.
3. Douglas Community Park & Surrounding Greenspaces
Design development will continue for a series of improvements to the park and nearby public spaces, including:
- Re‑shaping landscape mounds and opening new park entrances.
- Creating water‑play and natural‑play features.
- Adding rainwater‑capture routes from nearby buildings, feeding nature‑based drainage features.
These enhancements will help manage surface water during heavy rainfall while providing spaces for play, relaxation and community life.
4. Greener Streets Linked to New Housing
Several streets in Douglas will be designed as “green streets”—tree‑lined, pedestrian‑friendly routes incorporating rain gardens and SuDS features integrated with existing and proposed housing developments.
5. Community Engagement & Co‑Design
Over the next year, Douglas Connections will continue working closely with:
- Local schools
- Community groups
- Residents and families
Engagement activities, consultations and events will help refine designs and ensure the project reflects community priorities. Previous engagement has already shaped the masterplan and will continue to guide future stages.
6. Partnership Working & Wider WRD Programme Alignment
Douglas Connections feeds into a wider programme of projects across Dundee, including Strathmartine Connections, Dighty Restoration and district‑wide blue‑green corridor planning. The next 12 months include continued joint working between Scottish Water, Dundee City Council, AtkinsRéalis and local partners to coordinate design, funding and phasing.
What This Means for Douglas
The coming year will lay the groundwork for major improvements that will help Douglas become:
- More flood‑resilient through integrated sustainable drainage
- Greener and healthier, with enhanced play and wellbeing spaces
- Safer for walking and cycling
- Better connected, linking parks, schools, shops and the community
With designs progressing and community engagement continuing throughout 2026, Douglas Connections will move closer to delivering a cleaner, safer and more vibrant environment for everyone.