The detailed development design and formal planning has been completed for Eden Project Dundee bringing it one step closer to construction
The Eden Project Dundee and its partners have finalised a funding package that will make the next stages of the global attraction possible. A £7.6m injection into the project will provide sufficient funding for the detailed design and development and planning application. Then it will be time for construction.
The Eden Project Dundee: protecting the environment and the economy
The Eden Project Dundee followed on from a pollination study and masterplan that established the economic, social and environmental case for the project. It was after the study that the partnership could begin exploring design and content. There are already wildflower planting programmes underway in Dundee.
The Eden Project Dundee will be built on the former gasworks on East Dock Street overlooking the River Tay. This location is preferred as it is situated close to V&A Dundee and the train station.
The existing tall brick walls on the site may be transformed into walled gardens – marking a striking contrast to the industrial heritage of the gasworks. It is hoped that this powerful symbol of regeneration will echo the Cornwall project’s location in ta former clay quarry.
Projections suggest that the new attraction will bring more than 500,000 visitors every year which in turn will generate £27m of economic impact on the region annually.
Additionally, 200 direct jobs will be created and 300 more jobs will be supported in the supply chain and connected businesses. The construction phase is projected to bring an additional £171m to the regional economy.
The Eden Project in Cornwall has turned an investment of £141m into a £2.2bn economic impact on the regional economy in South West England and since its opening n 2001, Eden in Cornwall has welcomed more than 22m visitors. In recent years, the annual number of visitors has crept up to more than a million.
The Eden Project Dundee is built upon a partnership comprising Dundee City Council, The Northwood Charitable Trust and the University of Dundee
Eden Project Dundee partners Dundee City Council, The Northwood Charitable Trust and the University of Dundee are all contributing to funding the word-class attraction. The Eden Project will also invest heavily into the project through its development arm, Eden Project International, in order to maximise the Dundee project’s chances of success.
Chief executive of Eden Project International David Harland said:
“This is a hugely significant moment for Eden Project Dundee. Not only does it fund work on the project up to the point of shovels going into the ground but also demonstrates the huge confidence the city of Dundee and its institutions have shown for our vision.
“With last year’s COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland established its place as a global environmental leader and we hope to continue this momentum in Dundee.
“Everyone at Eden is energised by this project and inspired by the enviable ambition of the city. The gasworks site is unique and brimming with opportunities for an attraction that Dundonians can feel proud to call their own. We can’t wait to share our ideas with everyone as the plans develop and mature.”
An opportunity to educate and connect communities
Dundee City Council leader, councillor John Alexander, said:
“The feasibility work that has been undertaken shows just how much Eden can deliver for Dundee – hundreds of jobs, huge visitor numbers and tens of millions of pounds into the local economy.
“And it’s so much more than that too, with tremendous opportunities for education and connecting our diverse communities.
“Eden Project Dundee truly is an incredible concept, which will wow city residents and tourists alike. It will be another jewel in the crown of our stunning, transformed Waterfront area.
“This investment by the city council and its partners is a real statement of intent and shows our collective commitment to progressing this world-class project.”
Dundee can once again lead Scotland, and beyond
Professor Iain Gillespie, principal & vice-chancellor of the University of Dundee, said:
“The Eden Project provides the opportunity for us to develop our city as a beacon for social and environmental sustainability, bringing the benefits of a just transition for our citizens to a society more in tune with our local and global environment. Dundee can again provide leadership for others in Scotland and beyond.
“As a university with social purpose at its heart and being an institution that is ranked top among UK universities for Climate Action, we are delighted to support this incredibly exciting development that will bring real benefits to our students as well as the wider community.”
Blair Thomson, director of The Northwood Charitable Trust, said:
“We are delighted that Eden Project Dundee is making such rapid progress and we are excited about what the next stage of development will bring.
“This is a project that will be transformative for Dundee, acting as a beacon for social, environmental and economic regeneration. Eden Project Dundee will be a unique attraction for the city and be a standard-bearer for Scotland in the growing global family of Eden Projects.”
Eden Project Dundee will draw upon history and tradition, whilst looking to the future: the nine “Guilds”
Eden Project Dundee will draw on the history of the city’s Nine Incorporated Trades and is themed around nine new “Guilds” for the 21st century – Healers, Growers, Navigators, Myth-Makers, Noticers, Alchemists, Celebrators, Menders and “Re-Sourcerors”.
The Guilds aim to show alternative ways of perceiving the world. Each Guild will have its Guild Hall on the main Eden Project Dundee site with opportunities for “embassies” elsewhere in the city.
The Guild Halls will make up the central experience spaces for visitors and include areas such as the Lookout, celebrating the connections between human and nature; the Lush Bunker, a high-tech zone showcasing new ways to grow plants and featuring hyper-real journeys into the air, soil and water; and the Seam, a collection of emotional, story-driven experiences related to mining and its alternatives.
