Work Starts on Union Street Transformation

Work to permanently transform Union Street into an accessible pedestrianised space is beginning. 

The city centre project has been awarded more than £1 million of funding from the Scottish Government, which is allowing the final phase of the initiative to be undertaken. 

Dundee City Council leader Cllr Mark Flynn and City Growth and Infrastructure convener Cllr Steven Rome will help to mark the start of work on Monday (Feb 2). 

The project began with the removal of through traffic in the summer of 2020. Dundee City Council, the Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust and UNESCO City of Design worked together with members of the public, partners and stakeholders during a co-design phase to produce the final proposal for the street. 

A tender worth nearly £1.9 million in total for the work from Tayside Contracts was approved by the council late last year. 

£1.1 million of funding is coming from Transport Scotland, alongside money from the council’s capital plan.  

Work will take place until autumn to fully upgrade the street. The project will also provide improved crossings over Nethergate to the north and Yeaman Shore to the south.  

Union Street will be transformed into high-quality, accessible, level public space with seating, shelters, a public events space, planting, cycle parking, space for outdoor eating and drinking and new and improved lighting. 

Cllr Flynn said: “Our City Centre Strategic Investment Plan represents a long-term vision to help tackle the challenges faced by retail and hospitality businesses in our city centre. 

“Projects like this one at Union Street show that we are taking a different and imaginative approach which will provide an attractive space for visitors and locals alike.” 

Cllr Rome said: “Confirmation of funding from the Scottish Government for Union Street will help us to complete this ambitious project which started during the pandemic and has been co-designed by local people and businesses. 

“While there is still a lot of work to be done I am heartened by the progress that we are continuing to make in Dundee City Centre." 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased that over £1 million from the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund will support the final phase of the Union Street transformation in Dundee.  

“This investment will help create a high-quality, accessible public space that prioritises walking, wheeling and cycling, while enhancing the character and connectivity of the city centre.”