EXCLUSIVE: An insight into everything you need to know about Dundee’s new street food market

What the new street food market could look like (Pictyre: LJR+H Architects)

Mill Market, the new street food market, is beginning to take shape inside the former Tay Works jute mill on Brown Street, and the building itself is a huge part of the experience.

It is expected to open later this year, and the anticipation of it has gone down a storm on Dundee Culture, with coverage racking up thousands of likes and views from followers and non-followers.

After speaking with Liam McKelvie from LJR+H Architects, it’s clear the design isn’t about hiding the past, but celebrating it.

Original features like high ceilings, exposed columns and stone walls will remain on show, giving the space a strong sense of character from the moment you walk in.

Rather than dividing the unit up, the layout keeps things open and easy to move around, letting the scale of the building shine through.

“The space already had a strong identity. It didn’t feel like a blank canvas – the architecture itself tells the story of Dundee’s industrial past.” — Liam McKelvie, LJR+H Architects

Designed to feel social and welcoming

This isn’t a space designed for quick visits. Long shared tables, clear sightlines and an open layout are all about encouraging people to sit together, chat and spend time.

What the entrance to Mill Market could look like (Picture: LJR+H Architects)

There are no hard barriers between food stalls and seating, helping the whole venue feel connected and relaxed.

The aim is for Mill Market to feel lively without being overwhelming – somewhere you can drop into for food and end up staying longer than planned.

“Social use was central to the design. We wanted the space to encourage interaction and shared experience rather than separating people into zones.” — Liam McKelvie, LJR+H Architects

Food without the fuss

Food will sit at the heart of the space, but it won’t dominate it. The kitchens are arranged so no single trader takes over visually, keeping the focus on variety and shared experience rather than branding.

With rotating vendors planned, the food offering is expected to change over time, giving visitors something new to try on repeat visits while still keeping a familiar feel.

“The kitchens are treated as a collective edge to the space, so the emphasis stays on the overall atmosphere rather than any one vendor.” — Liam McKelvie, LJR+H Architects

A space that changes with the day

Mill Market has been designed to feel different depending on when you visit. Quieter daytime use can shift into busier evenings, while the flexible layout allows for exhibitions, community gatherings and small events.

The floor plan of the new street food market (Picture: LJR+H Architects)

Furniture can move, the space can adapt, and nothing feels fixed in place – meaning the market can grow and evolve naturally over time.

“Adaptability was essential. The space needs to evolve without constant reworking, whether that’s changing vendors or hosting non-food uses.” — Liam McKelvie, LJR+H Architects

An atmosphere you can feel

The open plan design allows sound, movement and cooking smells to flow through the room, creating the kind of buzz people love about street food markets.

Queuing and seating have been thought through so everything feels informal and easy, not cramped or controlled.

It’s about capturing the energy of outdoor markets, but in a warm, indoor setting.

“You should be able to see food being prepared, hear the buzz of conversation and feel the energy of the room from the moment you step inside.” — Liam McKelvie, LJR+H Architects

Easy to get to, easy to use

Mill Market sits just a short walk from Dundee city centre and close to the Perth Road.

Parking will be available nearby, with secure cycle storage at the entrance, making it easy to visit whether you’re walking, cycling or driving.

That accessibility is a key part of making the space work as a regular hangout, not just a one-off destination.

Why it matters for Dundee

Mill Market is about more than food. It brings a long-vacant historic building back into everyday use, adds energy to Brown Street, and supports the wider changes already happening in the area.

It creates space for independent traders, local creatives and community groups, while giving Dundee something it’s never quite had before.

Most importantly, it’s designed to feel distinctly Dundee – warm, unpretentious and rooted in the city’s character.

If it works as intended, Mill Market won’t just be somewhere people visit once. It’ll be somewhere people return to again and again.

“I hope people feel surprised in a good way. That sense of discovery when you step inside is really important – it should feel welcoming and very much rooted in Dundee.” — Liam McKelvie, LJR+H Architects

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As Mill Market moves closer to becoming a reality, what stands out most is that it’s been designed with people in mind.

From the way the historic building is treated, to how food, seating and social space are brought together, everything points towards a place that’s meant to be used, enjoyed and returned to.

The new street food market is about giving Dundee a new shared space that feels natural, welcoming and rooted in the city’s character.

If the vision comes together as planned, Mill Market has the potential to become one of those places that quietly embeds itself into daily life – somewhere you meet friends, discover new food, attend events, and feel part of the city’s ongoing story.

Thank you so much to Liam for this amazing insight into what to expect from this exciting new addition that will be coming to Dundee in the next few months!