Dundonians invited to become part of Union Street’s future through unique trinket tile project

Picture: Supplied

People across Dundee are being invited to leave a lasting mark on the city centre by donating a small keepsake, memento or trinket to become part of a permanent artwork on the transformed Union Street.

As part of the final stage of the Union Street Transformation Project, members of the public are being asked to contribute a small object that will be embedded within specially created terrazzo tiles, creating a lasting record of the people and memories connected to the street.

The invitation is open to anyone with a connection to Union Street, including current and former residents, business owners, employees, students, shoppers and visitors who have fond memories of the area.

Donated items can include small mementos such as charms, badges, keys, jewellery, tokens or other objects of personal significance. Once incorporated into the terrazzo tiles, they will become a permanent feature of the newly pedestrianised street for generations to come.

The artwork will also include materials uncovered during the transformation works, including aggregate created from historic features discovered beneath Union Street. Among these are sections of Dundee’s old tram lines, helping connect the street’s rich history with its future.

Celebrating Union Street’s past and future

Annie Marrs, Lead Officer at UNESCO City of Design Dundee, said the project reflects the collaborative approach taken throughout the transformation.

“The newly pedestrianised Union Street is the result of a co-design project where the ideas and needs of businesses, residents and those visiting the street have been central to the design developed by our designers Gary Kennedy and Linsey McIntosh.

“Because of this approach, we’re now inviting people to embed a small part of their own story into the street itself. These objects may be tiny, but together they will help tell a much bigger story about Dundee and the communities connected to Union Street in the past, present and future.”

Dundee City Council Leader Cllr Mark Flynn said he was pleased to see the progress being made on the city centre project.

“I am pleased to see the progress that is already being made at Union Street to provide an attractive pedestrianised space for visitors and locals alike.

“This shows how we are taking action to help tackle the challenges faced by retail and hospitality businesses in our city centre through our long-term City Centre Strategic Investment Plan.

“The tile project is an imaginative way to get people involved in telling the story of the street through the years as part of a significant transformation for its future. I would encourage anyone with an object to donate to get in touch with the UNESCO City of Design team.”

How to get involved

People wishing to take part can drop off their objects at the UNESCO City of Design Dundee offices on the second floor of Central Library in The Wellgate, where a dedicated Union Street collection point has been set up.

Contributors will be asked to include their name, details of the object and why it is important to them. Those who provide contact details will also receive updates on the project.

Suitable items must be made from durable materials such as non-ferrous metals (including copper, gold, silver, tin or aluminium), glass, ceramics or stone. Examples include keys, cutlery, ring pulls, jewellery, screws and other small objects.

Donated objects will become a permanent part of the artwork and will not be returned. As part of the terrazzo-making process, they will be polished, meaning some items may no longer be fully recognisable.

The deadline for submissions is 8pm on Friday 21 August 2026.