£20 million project will see new design hub in Dundee

The Design and Innovation Quarter scheme, led by developer Our Enterprise, will see two blocks of buildings created for designers to work in, live in and showcase their projects.

A concept sketch of the new design quarter
A concept sketch of the new design quarter

A new area dedicated to designers is set to be developed as part of a major project to regenerate Dundee’s waterfront.

The £20 million project will see a Design and Innovation Quarter created for the Scottish city, led by developer Our Enterprise, design consultancy and architect HTA Design LLP and Dundee City Council.

“Retaining” design talent in Scotland

Our Enterprise describes itself as an “investor in social good”, which “creates beautiful places for people to live, work and play”. Architect HTA generally works on the redevelopment of housing estates and flats.

Two new building designs have been “inspired by the arrival of the V&A museum” in Dundee, says Our Enterprise, and aim to “retain Dundee’s graduate talent”, build on the creative industries in Scotland and create employment and living opportunities.

Buildings to house designers

The ground floor of both building blocks will include “Design, Make and Sell” units, which aim to attract creative businesses to showcase “the best of Scottish design”.

Higher levels of the blocks will then include working spaces for creative start-up businesses, and also apartments for “high quality” living space in the city centre.

There will also be shared facilities such as dining areas, a cinema room, a gym space and bike storage.

The creative quarter aims to encourage graduates and start-ups to “live and work among like-minded people”, says Our Enterprise.

Opening yet to be announced

It also hopes to offer office spaces to commuter businesses, which may be travelling in to Dundee via rail from other cities.

Matthew Bell, founder at Our Enterprise, says: “We care about delivering projects with a social return and the highest levels of economic and environmental sustainability – Dundee’s vision for the waterfront is a perfect match for us.”

The opening date of the Design and Innovation Quarter is yet to be announced.

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