Robertson Construction Tayside has begun work at James Thompson House.
The new £26 million Grade A office development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing revitalisation of Dundee’s waterfront for Dundee City Council. The project will provide 51,600 square feet of Grade A office accommodation when it is completed in 2025.
The building pays homage to James Thomson, the late city architect who envisioned a transformed waterfront in the early 20th century. His vision is now coming to life a century later, bringing modern office space and economic opportunities to the city.
This addition to the Dundee waterfront joins other transformative projects, part of the current 30 year masterplan, solidifying the area's position as a vibrant hub for business and leisure.
James Thompson House will be completed with sustainability as a priority and is set to achieve both EPC 'A' and BREEAM 'Excellent' environmental accreditation ratings. This commitment is reflected in the building's design, which incorporates energy efficient features and public art installations by local artists. Facilities supporting active travel will also encourage eco-friendly commutes.
A planned programme of community wealth building activities during the construction phase extended the project beyond brick and mortar. This includes initiatives like employability support, educational visits, and maximising opportunities for local suppliers and sub-contractors, ensuring it benefits the wider community.
The construction is a testament to the successful collaboration of our Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2). The offices are being built on behalf of Dundee City Council by principal contractor Robertson Construction Tayside and partly financed through the Scottish Government’s Growth Accelerator model.
Joe FitzPatrick said: “This new office space development is the latest piece of the infrastructure programme that has transformed Dundee’s waterfront into an exciting destination for businesses and visitors, helping secure investment in new industries, and to attract and retain talented people from around the world.
“The Scottish Government has committed more than £60 million in Growth Accelerator funding the Central Waterfront project and this investment has delivered spectacular results including upgrades to the railway station and a public Wi-Fi network. It proves what can be achieved with a long-term vision, community buy-in and committed leadership.
“I was honoured to announce the new building will be named after James Thomson, the visionary master planner who had great ambitions for Dundee’s waterfront more than 100 years ago. The current work taking place in that part of the city delivers on that vision for the benefit of Dundee and Scotland as a whole.”
Councillor Alexander said: “The success of Agnes Husband House has proved that there is a demand in Dundee for modern office space of this high quality. It is vital in our efforts to attract and sustain jobs in the city.
“We have benefitted from significant investment from Scottish Government, and this new office development is supported by the final phase of Scottish Government Growth Accelerator funding.
“I am heartened to hear that there is strong interest from the market place.
“With construction at an advanced stage on the nearby BT headquarters, we are seeing an expansion in modern accommodation that is needed if we want to deliver jobs and grow our economy, making the city a better place for everyone.
“James Thomson House has been designed with energy efficiency at its very heart and I am excited to see this work at Dundee Waterfront progressing.”
Kevin Dickson, managing director, Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “The new office development on site six will address the growing demand for modern office workspaces in Dundee. Helping to retain and create jobs, this development is designed to the highest standards of ESG and has a focus on the wellbeing of its occupiers.
“Creating Grade A working environments like this have the potential to drive inward investment and innovation within Dundee. It is our pleasure to continue supporting Dundee City Council’s vision of regenerating and transforming the waterfront.”
Click here for more information on the Major Projects Framework.