Dundee’s transformational Waterfront Place development – featuring an active travel hub, urban beach, high quality public realm and event space, a life-sized whale sculpture and an interactive play area – has been shortlisted for a top UK architectural award for its green impact on the city.
The £8m regeneration project, completed last year, was designed to reduce overall traffic in the area by encouraging active and sustainable travel, including cycling and walking.
The development has been shortlisted for the ‘Landscape and Public Realm Project’ category at the annual Architects’ Journal Awards 2022 (one of the UK architecture sector’s most coveted accolades) with specific mention for the project’s success in creating an accessible and attractive public space for Dundee.
The project – a collaboration between internationally acclaimed architects Holmes Miller, Optimised Environments, Morgan Sindall Construction, artist Lee Simmons and Dundee City Council – forms part of the wider £1bn regeneration of Dundee Waterfront and is located beside the V&A Museum.
Alongside the whale centrepiece, which shelters a multi-sensory sound and light experience under its impressive frame, the site is home to the Dundee Cycle Hub, which offers bike hire and recycling, and e-bike solar-panel-powered docking stations. The Hub also hosts a café and externally accessible toilet provision to support the wider site.
Chris Wotherspoon, associate at Holmes Miller, speaking of the nomination said:
“Waterfront Place was designed with climate, wellbeing, resilience, and inclusivity in mind, so it can be enjoyed by all. It creates a place to play, socialise and get active on the edge of the River Tay, that promotes health by encouraging citizens to spend time outdoors.
“Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is serious industry recognition that this is a world-leading public space which makes optimum use of renewables, promotes active and sustainable travel, and features the very latest in green infrastructure.”
The award winner will be announced on 23 November.