Dundee & Angus College’s transformation could generate £1.8 BILLION for the local economy

What the new Wellgate campus could look like as part of the plans. (Picture: BDP)

Dundee and Angus College has unveiled an ambitious and transformative 10-year plan that could breathe new life into Dundee and Arbroath city centres - and bring an estimated £1.8 billion in benefits to the region.

The vision?

New, state-of-the-art campuses built into the hearts of both communities, combining education, training and employability support like never before in Scotland.

The idea is simple, but powerful: place learning and opportunity right where people live and work, and open the doors to lifelong skills, advice and job pathways.

The College’s new integrated model would be the first of its kind in the country, bringing together multiple public agencies under one roof — from training to careers advice — and making it easier for people to get the support they need, all in one place.

A new report from respected consultants BiGGAR Economics shows just how big the impact could be. For every £1 spent, the region could see £10 worth of benefit.

That’s a 30% return on a £265 million investment — and a game-changing £1.8 billion in value created over the next two decades through employment, community growth, and regeneration.

Simon Hewitt, Principal of Dundee and Angus College, said: “It’s hard to think of another project that could deliver almost £2 billion in benefit, especially from something as straightforward as bringing together education and employability services in the centre of our communities.”

The vision doesn’t just focus on economic impact. It’s also about social transformation — with better student outcomes, increased course completion, and thousands more people in work.

If targets are met, up to 6,755 more people in Dundee and over 1,300 in Arbroath could gain employment thanks to the new approach. The plans also include upgraded, accessible campuses at the Wellgate in Dundee and the Abbeygate in Arbroath, contributing to net zero goals and modernising local infrastructure.

The project has already gained strong support from local businesses and community leaders.

Chris Martin of Dundee-based tech firm Waracle said, “The College’s plans are perfectly placed to breathe much-needed economic life into Dundee and Arbroath,” while local games developer and former student David Hamilton called it “a no-brainer” for regeneration and opportunity.

During construction alone, the development will inject over £130 million into the local economy through building contracts, site development and job creation.

Once open, the campuses will boost footfall by up to 800 people per day in Dundee and 600 in Arbroath - supporting local cafés, shops, and businesses, while also offering the public access to student-led services like training restaurants, salons and more.

Mr Hewitt added, “When you look at the full picture - economic growth, environmental benefits, better jobs and stronger communities - it’s clear that this vision could be truly transformational. We’re committed to making it happen for the region.”

With talks underway between the College and both the Scottish and UK Governments, as well as interest from private investors, the groundwork is being laid for what could be one of the most exciting education-led regeneration projects in Scotland