NATURE-based methods of managing rainwater have been installed at two primary schools and a community centre in Dundee, ahead of a wider project focusing on flood reduction, active travel links and improved community spaces in the St Mary’s area of the city.
Through the Water Resilient Dundee (WRD) partnership, led by Scottish Water and Dundee City Council, works to install rainwater planters, new outdoor play features and a wetland at St Andrew’s and Craigowl primary schools have been completed.
The Scottish Government-funded project has also seen the creation of a raingarden and water management features such as a smart water butt, new guttering and rainwater planters installed at St Mary’s Community Centre.
It is part of a coordinated approach, supported by Abertay University, to engage with the community about sustainable drainage before larger interventions begin through the wider Strathmartine Connections programme.
Dom McBennett, catchment planner at Scottish Water, said, “We have really enjoyed working in partnership with the schools and community centre to install these sustainable water management features and start wider conversations with people about the larger-scale work planned with partners through Strathmartine Connections.
“Our aim is to create neighbourhoods that are resilient to the impacts of climate change, whether that is flooding or drought, while also creating useful, people-focused spaces that contribute to all round better well-being – and community partnerships are at the heart of that. We want people to be involved in the whole design process and to feel that sense of ownership of these projects.”
Strathmartine Connections is a multi-year programme designed to improve drainage, enhance greenspaces, reduce flood risk, and strengthen community resilience across the Strathmartine area.
Feedback was sought from the community on detailed designs for the Strathmartine Connections project at the end of 2025, with a planning application due to be submitted later this year. If approved, it is anticipated that work will start in spring 2027.
