ANDREW BATCHELOR: Dundee's empty units should be repurposed for art galleries and pop-ups

PURE CLASS, PURE CHAOS at 90 Commercial Street, part of The Keiller Centre’s effort to reuse disused units. (Picture: The Keiller Centre)

There’s something really exciting happening on Reform Street this autumn – and it’s exactly the kind of idea Dundee needs more of.

Jupiter Artland’s latest offsite project, Growing Pains, will take over an empty shop and turn it into an immersive art installation by acclaimed artist Lindsey Mendick.

Not only is this a win for the arts, but it’s a powerful reminder of the untapped potential in our city centre’s empty units.

Reform Street, like many high streets across the UK, has its fair share of vacant spaces. Seeing one of them brought back to life with world-class creativity is refreshing.

It follows in the footsteps of what we’ve already seen in the Keiller Centre – a brilliant example of how art can transform derelict places. That centre, once overlooked, has become home to independent galleries, creative hubs and local makers, giving people a reason to explore it again.

But with the Keiller Centre earmarked for demolition in the future, we need to think ahead. Those galleries and studios currently making use of the space could easily move into other empty units across the city centre.

Places like Commercial Street, for example, where the Keiller Centre itself is experimenting with another creative unit at number 90 where it recently hosted PURE CLASS, PURE CHAOS, an exhibition celebrating the culture of growing up in Dundee's multis. These spaces have huge potential – if the conditions are right.

Affordable rent is key here.

It’s a common misconception that Dundee City Council owns all these units, but that’s not the case. Private landlords are part of the picture too, and for these ideas to grow, there needs to be support – and cooperation – to make rents accessible to artists, creatives and small organisations.

Otherwise, we risk losing the very people who bring energy and life to our high streets.

Imagine a network of independent galleries, from the city centre to other parts of the city, showcasing everything from ceramics to photography to graffiti art. A gallery entirely dedicated to street art?

That could be a real draw, and it would give talented local artists space to shine.

Repurposing empty shops isn’t just about filling space – it’s about reimagining our city through culture and community.

If we can support more projects like Growing Pains, and give creatives the space to thrive, we can build a more vibrant, inclusive and exciting Dundee for everyone. Let’s keep the momentum going.