13 August 2013
Major milestone for V&A at Dundee as project gets planning green light
The realisation of V&A at Dundee takes a major step forward as the construction process is set in motion following Dundee
City Council's decision yesterday to grant the project planning permission. Tender notices will shortly be issued, to allow
interested companies to begin bidding to construct the first V&A museum outside London.
Publication of the tender details represents a major milestone on a journey which will see architect Kengo Kuma's concept
for the V&A at Dundee building transformed into an international centre of design for Scotland.
In an update on the project Philip Long, Director of V&A at Dundee, said, 'I am delighted by the approval, which now
allows us to move V&A at Dundee further towards realisation. The V&A at Dundee team has been working on detailed plans
to translate the outline design into a construction model, and that work is now almost complete. The project is entering a
new phase, where within the next few months people will begin to see evidence of V&A at Dundee coming into being.
'Kengo Kuma's fabulous design will give Dundee and Scotland a wonderful space to enjoy outstanding international exhibitions,
and to learn about and get involved with Scotland's remarkable history of design creativity. I believe it will attract visitors
from across the world.'
In terms of the construction timetable, the temporary infill of Craig Harbour beside RRS Discovery has already begun,
incorporating crushed demolition material from the former Maxweltown multis and Tayside House. This will create a platform
from which to start work on the Craig Harbour side of the building. Meanwhile, the demolition of the former Olympia Swimming
Pool estimated to take forty weeks, is scheduled to start in September.
Mr Long added that while the latest developments mark an important stage in V&A at Dundee's development, the desire
to make progress has to be balanced by careful project planning, wildlife protection and safety and environmental considerations.
'Detailed work is needed to clear and prepare the site, and the partners' priority is to ensure tight controls on cost
and construction standards. At present we are advised construction itself is likely to start early in the summer of 2014.
'The projected date for the main fabric of the building to be in place is the end of 2015. Its completion, the interior
fit-out and installation of the first exhibitions and displays will follow throughout 2016. We feel this timescale is realistic
and, crucially, will ensure V&A at Dundee is ready to play a central role in the UK City of Culture 2017, should the
strong case put forward by Dundee be fortunate enough to win.'
Mike Galloway, Director of City Development at Dundee City Council, added, 'Securing planning permission and the subsequent
publication of the tender documents takes us closer towards constructing a world-class building that will have an international
impact. V&A at Dundee will be a huge asset for the city as a focal point in the transformation of the whole Waterfront
area. Dundee City Council along with the partner organisations involved will be working closely together to ensure that the
city reaps the huge benefits that will accrue from locating this prestigious museum in our city.'
Notes to editors:
- V&A at Dundee will be an international centre for design, housed in a world-class building at the heart of Dundee's
revitalised waterfront. It will host major exhibitions, celebrate our design heritage, inspire and promote contemporary talent,
and encourage design innovation for the future. Unlike any other museum in Scotland, V&A at Dundee will focus on design - not
design as a separate discipline, but its everyday impact - how it can delight, make things work and ultimately change lives.
V&A at Dundee aims to do what every good museum does - to inform, educate and entertain - but also explicitly, through
its wider programmes, intends to generate new creativity and innovation across Scotland. VandAatDundee.com
- V&A at Dundee is being delivered by Design Dundee Ltd, a partnership between the Victoria and Albert Museum - the world's
greatest museum of art and design - and Dundee City Council, the University of Dundee, the University of Abertay Dundee and
Scottish Enterprise.
- The Scottish Government has committed £15m in capital towards the project's £45million budget and £3.25m
in development funding. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded it a first round pass of up to £9.2m, including
£200,000 development funding, in May 2012.
- The tender documentation for the V&A at Dundee project will be made available via the Official Journal of the European
Union (OJEU), the gazette of record for the European Union in which around 2500 new notices are advertised every week.
This includes invitations to tender, prior information notices, qualification systems and contract award notices.
www.ojeu.eu
- Dundee is a creative, vibrant city and winning a place on the UK City of Culture 2017 shortlist celebrates our strengths.
Back the bid at: www.wedundee.com
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902 |
