The site for the new Eden Project in Scotland, which will create 500 jobs, has been revealed
A charity has revealed its plans to bring a massive eco attraction to Dundee.
A former gasworks on the city’s waterfront is set to be transformed into a vast new environment and sustainability project under plans to bring Cornwall’s world-famous Eden Project to Scotland.
An initial agreement has been reached for the long-running industrial site, which is less than a mile away from the city’s V&A museum of design, to become the home of Eden Project Dundee.
The project, which has been under discussion between for more than 18 months, has already secured the backing of the Scottish Government, the city council and Dundee University.
David Harland, chief executive of charity Eden Project International, said: “This is a really exciting moment for the Eden Project and the city of Dundee.
“The former gasworks site is by far the best location for our Scottish home and we’re delighted to have a formal agreement in place to start working on a detailed plan.”
Up to 500 jobs are expected to be created – 200 directly and 300 as a result of the attraction opening, which could happen as early as 2024.
A series of walled gardens is planned to be created at the brick-walled site on East Dock Street, which lies at the heart of Dundee’s £1 billion waterfront regeneration.
Eden Project Dundee is planned to have nine themes – Healers, Growers, Navigators, Myth-Makers, Noticers, Alchemists, Celebrators, Menders and Re-Sourcerors – inspired by the city’s historic trades.
Visitors will be able to explore connections between the human race and the natural world, a zone showcasing new was to grow plants, and learn about alternatives to mining.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The dramatic transformation of Dundee’s waterfront continues apace with this fantastic news. The plans and illustrations for the preferred site look nothing short of stunning.
“Alongside the iconic V&A, Eden is another game-changing draw to the city and the surrounding area and will play a key role in Dundee’s strategic economic recovery from Covid.”
Council leader John Alexander 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.
“Eden Project Dundee is another opportunity to put Dundee on the map and show how well our city works with internationally-renowned partners.
“This project will deliver on so much of what we all want for the city – from creating hundreds of jobs and bringing millions annually into the local economy to delivering opportunities for education and connecting our diverse communities.
“It will be another jewel in the crown of our stunning, transformed waterfront area.”
The original Eden Project, located near St Austell in Cornwall, opened in March 2001. Eden’s international projects include plans to create new attractions with a message of environmental, social and economic regeneration in Australia, China and other countries, as well as “wild sites” in Costa Rica and Chad, which aim to protect and rejuvenate natural landscapes.
The charity says its "transformational and regenerative" projects have a theme of "humanity's connection to the natural world."
