West End, Dundee

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Magdalen Green and Bandstand, Located in the West End
Magdalen Green and Bandstand, Located in the West End

The West End is a residential area of the city of Dundee, Scotland located west of the city centre around the area's main thoroughfare of Perth Road and along the banks of the river Tay. The University of Dundee is located in this area and provides a focal point for some 20,000 students. The neighbourhood is also home to St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Morgan Tower – the oldest structure in Dundee from 14th Century which is now a pharmacy – and Blackness Library located further west at the Sinderins. The university’s Botanic Gardens and sports facilities are located by the river next to Dundee Airport. The university’s College of Life Sciences located on Hawkhill incorporates the Wellcome Trust Biocentre, Sir James W. Black Centre, MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit and Cancer Research UK Centre laboratories.

The district has many shops, bars, restaurants and hotels although this is balanced by many residential properties especially heading west. The area has traditionally been more affluent with many large Edwardian period houses compared to the large proportion of tenements built to house workers, primarily those involved in the Jute industry, in other sectors of the city. The housing in the area is popular among students due to its proximity to the university. The West End has been subject to a large degree of studentification. By attracting people from across the UK and other countries, the university district has evolved a separate identity within Dundee. Town and gown relations are generally cordial, although issues such as HMOs and parking difficulties are amongst the problems between the indigenous population and the University.

Since 1998, the city council has developed a "Cultural Quarter", which is now home to the Dundee Repertory Theatre, the Whitehall Theatre, the Sensation Science Centre and Dundee Contemporary Arts as well as other commercial galleries and studios. With the recent re-organisation of Council Wards, the area is now included in the new West End Ward, where it is the only ward in the city to be represented by all 4 main political parties. The councillors for the area are currently Fraser Macpherson (Liberal Democrat), Donald Hay (Conservative), James Barrie (Scottish National Party) and Richard McCready (Labour).

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