22 January 2013

V&A at Dundee planning consultation visitor figures

The planning consultation held by V&A at Dundee over three days last week drew hundreds of interested locals to see the latest plans for the project and give their views.

Over 350 people attended the consultation event held between 17th - 19th January at the University of Abertay, Dundee.

Updated information on the development including the latest images and flythrough were on show to the public, with visitors being encouraged to share their views with the architects and V&A at Dundee team.

The latest computer generated video visualising how the building would look in its new onshore position proved extremely popular, with the overwhelming majority of visitors commenting they were reassured that the new design maintained the impression of being surrounded by water.

Visitors also showed a keen interest in funding, when building work would start and the wider waterfront development of the area.

Director of V&A at Dundee Philip Long said, "Hosting this public event has given us a fresh opportunity to connect with those who are passionate and interested in the project. It was especially impressive that people braved the elements to take the time to come and see us - we would like to thank them for making such an effort. The city's support for V&A at Dundee to date has been incredible - we very much appreciate it and will continue to encourage discussion and debate at all opportunities."

Notes to Editors

V&A at Dundee will be the first ever purpose-built design museum to be constructed in the UK outside London. It will provide more than 1700 square metres of gallery space and will be one of the largest dedicated exhibition spaces in Scotland. The galleries will host world-class exhibitions of international design, alongside displays devoted to outstanding Scottish design - historical, contemporary and of the future.

V&A at Dundee is being delivered by Design Dundee Ltd, a ground-breaking partnership between the Victoria and Albert Museum - the world's greatest museum of art and design - and Dundee City Council, the Universities of Dundee and Abertay Dundee, and Scottish Enterprise. The new building is being designed by a team led by architects Kengo Kuma & Associates.

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 Scottish Government has committed £15m in capital towards the project's £45million budget.

www.vandaatdundee.com

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