Dundee & Angus College receive funding boost for major transformation city projects

Dundee & Angus College has taken a major step forward in its long-term vision to transform learning across the region, after securing early funding support from the Scottish Government for its ambitious campus redevelopment plans.

The college has received £700,000 from the Scottish Funding Council to develop a detailed business case for the first phase of the project. This initial stage will focus on creating a new Green Skills Hub at the Gardyne Campus in Dundee, designed to help prepare students for careers linked to sustainability and the green economy.

The funding forms part of a wider £2 million national investment supporting nine colleges across Scotland to develop plans for major infrastructure projects. The programme aims to modernise college campuses and ensure learners have access to facilities suited to the demands of the modern workforce.

For Dundee, the plans go much further than a single building project. Dundee & Angus College has set out a long-term vision to create modern learning and employability hubs in the centres of Dundee and Arbroath. The proposal would eventually see activity move away from the current Kingsway and Keptie Road campuses, bringing education and training closer to the heart of both communities.

College Principal Simon Hewitt said the announcement marks an important milestone after nearly two years of planning. He explained that the next stage will involve developing a detailed business plan for the Gardyne project while continuing to pursue funding for the larger developments planned for Dundee and Arbroath.

The wider vision is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for the region. Analysis by BiGGAR Economics suggests the redevelopment programme could generate around £1.8 billion for the local economy, with an estimated return of £10 in benefit for every £1 invested.

Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said colleges play a vital role in Scotland’s economy and communities. He said the Scottish Government is committed to working with the sector to ensure students have the facilities they need now and in the future.

The minister visited the Kingsway Campus in Dundee to see the work already being done by students training for careers with regional employers. With the first funding now secured, Dundee & Angus College says it is moving closer to delivering new facilities that could reshape education, skills and employability opportunities in Dundee for generations to come.