A ‘key’ part of Dundee’s £1 billion regeneration has been officially opened by the leader of Dundee City Council.
Waterfront Place will act as an ‘urban beach’, active travel hub and interactive play area for the public, with Morgan Sindall Construction carrying out the delivery of the £6 million build.
The 7,000 square foot facility is surrounded by bench seating and features illuminated footpaths to encourage all-day usage, whilst the 2,150 square foot active travel hub features a ‘striking’ design in homage to the adjacent V&A museum.
At the centre of the urban beach is a stainless-steel whale sculpture designed by award-winning artist, Lee Simmons. Morgan Sindall Construction was awarded a separate £1.7 million contract earlier this year to manufacture and install the centrepiece. Comprised of tubular sections, it will flow from the northern entrance of Waterfront Place with the tail arching towards the Tay to capture a sense of movement.
Stuart Parker, MD of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said, “This has been a momentous project to be entrusted with and one we’ve taken great pride in delivering. It will spur the ongoing renaissance of this great coastal city’s waterfront area, meaningfully promote active lifestyles and low carbon transport, while enhancing the experience for local people and visitors alike. We’ve worked hand-in-glove with the city council to reach this milestone before the end of summer and the urban beach is sure to be a major hit in the August sunshine.
“The installation of the whale sculpture in September will be a real spectacle and add a final injection of creativity and identity to what is already a striking vista.”
John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, added, “This is one of the prime spots on the whole of the waterfront and right from the planning stage it was important that it could be accessed and used by everyone. Anyone who comes along will see for themselves the quality of the work, which was in itself a key part of our desire to attract people here, not just from the city but across Scotland, so that they could truly experience the re-established connection between the city and the river.
“It forms the next step forward in our phased and managed growth at the waterfront and the months and years ahead will see much more to come on the other sites across the area.”
