Dundee City Council Civic Award 2008/2009

Proposals for an escalator to carry people with mobility problems up Dundee's notoriously steep Hilltown have helped a Town and Regional Planning student win this year's Dundee City Council Civic Award.

Angela Harper was one of three MA Town and Regional Planning students from the University shortlisted for the award. Angela, who is originally from Gretna, received a £200 cash prize after impressing the 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. Runners-up Ulrika Engstrom from Sweden and Dundee's Beth Galloway received £50 each.

The students were commissioned by the City Council to prepare planning guidance for accelerating the regeneration of the Hilltown and were asked to produce ideas for the main retail area. Given the on-going political debate about the best ways to improve Scotland's shopping centres, this was a particularly timely project.

"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," explained a delighted Angela.

'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!'