Waterfront Place Tender Update

ALMOST £2m worth of work on the centrepiece of one of Dundee Waterfront’s key spaces could be agreed next week..

A £1.7m contract for Morgan Sindall to manufacturer and install a stainless-steel whale sculpture, associated foundations, hard landscaping and interactive play park at Waterfront Place will come before the city development committee on Monday (January 25). 

Mark Flynn committee convener said: “The quality of the work at Waterfront Place is critical to ensuring that visitors and local people feel like they are not just in one of the city’s prime spots, but in one of the best locations in Scotland. 

“It is also vital that the sculpture is durable and able to withstand the marine environment at the waterfront, while also being low maintenance. 

“The size, scale and unique complexity of the whale sculpture has meant that limited suppliers are capable of manufacturing it despite engaging with a local fabricator. 

“Local sub-contractors have been working at the site and our partnership arrangement for the Active Travel Hub is also with a local community interest company.” 

The humpback whale, designed by award-winning British artist Lee Simmons, will be the centrepiece of the space created in a size and scale that complements its surroundings, while accommodating both convincing aesthetic values and visual strength. 

Formed in tubular sections that follow the contours of the creature, the structure will flow from the northern entrance of Waterfront Place with the tail arching towards the Tay to capture a sense of movement. 

Visitors to the park will also enjoy a multi-sensory experience using both sound and light with stainless steel tubular like maze structures representing kelp-like forests or water columns. 

Work on the site has been delayed as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, however it is expected to be completed later this year. 

About Dundee Waterfront

Dundee Waterfront is an award-winning £1 billion regeneration project that is transforming 240 acres of land along 8km of the River Tay. Dundee Waterfront is split into five distinct zones and the project has secured £750m of committed investment. Most infrastructure works have been completed and the build phase is well underway, with a growing community of businesses and residents moving into the Waterfront area. More than 150,000 sq metres of ‘shovel-ready’ land is available for development. Major projects already completed include the construction of a new railway station and the V&A Dundee. Other major projects currently on going include a new marina, port developments, offices, hotels, bars, shops, cafes and residential accommodation. Around 7000 new jobs will be created, providing a wide range of new employment opportunities. Dundee is the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design. Dundee Waterfront is a partnership between Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise.