DUNDEE’S Waterfront Place development has been shortlisted for a top UK architectural award for its green impact on the city.
The site features an active travel hub, urban beach, public realm and event space, a life-sized whale sculpture, and an interactive play area. The £8 million regeneration project, completed last year, was designed to reduce overall traffic in the area by encouraging active and sustainable travel, including cycling and walking.
The development has been shortlisted for the ‘Landscape and Public Realm Project’ category at the Architects’ Journal Awards 2022, with specific mention for the project’s success in creating an accessible and attractive public space for Dundee.
The project – a collaboration between architects Holmes Miller, Optimised Environments, Morgan Sindall Construction, artist Lee Simmons, and Dundee City Council – forms part of the wider £1 billion regeneration of Dundee Waterfront and is located beside the V&A Museum.
Alongside the whale centrepiece, which shelters a multi-sensory sound and light experience under its frame, the site is home to the Dundee Cycle Hub, which offers bike hire and recycling, and e-bike solar-panel-powered docking stations. The Hub also hosts a café and externally accessible toilet provision.
Chris Wotherspoon, associate at Holmes Miller, said, “Waterfront Place was designed with climate, wellbeing, resilience, and inclusivity in mind, so it can be enjoyed by all. It creates a place to play, socialise and get active on the edge of the River Tay, that promotes health by encouraging citizens to spend time outdoors.
“Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is serious industry recognition that this is a world-leading public space which makes optimum use of renewables, promotes active and sustainable travel, and features the very latest in green infrastructure.”
The award winner will be announced on 23 November.
