May 21 2021

Dundee City Council has showcased the first tantalising visualisation of how a possible Eden Project could transform a former gasworks into a biodiverse attraction.

The image illustrates how industrial land at East Dock Street could be transformed from a place to avoid into a major visitor attraction by utilising tall brick walls as a shelter for impressive walled gardens, all within a mile of V&A Dundee.

Themed on nine 'guilds' associated with historic trades the site will be divided into distinct character areas namely; Healers, Growers, Navigators, Myth-Makers, Noticers, Alchemists, Celebrators, Menders and Re-Sourcerors. Within these areas will be a variety of attractions such as a Lookout platform, a hi-tech hydroponics bunker and a mining experience.

Councillor John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “Completing the feasibility study and identifying the preferred site are another two important milestones on our journey to bringing Eden to Dundee.

“It truly is an incredible project, which will wow city residents and visitors alike. What Eden has envisaged is the transformation of an industrial site into a world-class attraction with a focus on the environment and sustainability."

The attraction is part of a portfolio of UK projects supported by Eden, creators of the original Eden Project in Cornwall and is backed by landowners National Grid and SGN.

The feasibility study for the Eden Project Dundee site was led by the inhouse creative and design team at Eden Project International with support from architects at Nicoll Russell Studios in Dundee and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in Bath & London.

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Designer on 21 May 2021 at 19:27 PM

This project looks very exciting indeed. Well done Dundee for pursuing yet another hugely ambitious project.

#2 Posted by mick on 22 May 2021 at 15:48 PM

Regardless of the postulations of hopium politicans the reality of Dundee 2021 will not vanish. Lack of employment opportunities, record drugs related difficulties, copious retail decay, unfulfilled waterfront development benefits, long overdue V+A impact evidence. Dundee deserves success whilst understandably residents hold their breath that this project will break the long long run of promises unfulfilled.

#3 Posted by CJH on 23 May 2021 at 20:36 PM

@mick - as someone who used to shun and mock Dundee, recent developments have brought me into the city for the first time in about a decade. In fact, it is now significantly more attractive and lively than my old home town (Aberdeen) and there is plenty to entertain those who live in Edinburgh/Glasgow.

Lockdowns ending, Dundee was my first day trip away last weekend. Literally an unthinkable prospect till recently.

Eden will not stop drugs deaths or build up a retail sector which has been withered away by online shopping and out of town centres (the latter being a UK/Europe wide issue btw). To even link them is pointless.

Eden looks like a great move for Dundee and Scotland and I look forward to heading up to see it on completion.

As for the drugs issues etc, huge work is required but I'll separate that for another forum and other governmental departments.

#4 Posted by Islands of sanity on 24 May 2021 at 13:16 PM

Spot on #3 .

#5 Posted by Craig Higgins on 25 May 2021 at 09:40 AM

Are those garden boats?

#6 Posted by Stephen Ferano on 31 May 2021 at 11:08 AM

Big fan of Dundee. Dundee has moved onwards and upwards, consistently, for 25+ years, despite its myriad of waterfront issues. Whilst the image basks in a localised golden glow, it would be great to see the gasworks transformed, and another development of international standing to the Silvery Tay. Let's hope that Industry can keep up, and drive Dundee's success to the future.

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