Transforming Maryfield: First update as major funding announced securing restoration

The current state of the 1913 section of the depot, the roof will be replaced as part of the first steps.

Welcome to the first update on the new Maryfield Transformed social media campaign! The main aim is to keep people up to speed on everything that is happening on-site as the museum prepares to move from Market Mews at Maryfield next year.

We start with a major milestone for the future of the Dundee Museum of Transport. A significant funding boost has now been confirmed, allowing the long-planned transformation of the former Maryfield Tram Depot to move from ambition into delivery.

An additional £1.5 million in funding has been secured, taking total UK Government support for the project to £2.7 million. This sits alongside £1 million previously awarded through the Scottish Government, bringing confirmed public investment to £3.7 million. Together, this funding provides the certainty needed for refurbishment work to begin on the historic site.

This latest funding unlocks the next stage of the project, covering restoration, conservation and fit-out works to the 1901 and 1913 sections of the building. These areas will form the core of the new museum and will be the first parts of the depot to be brought back into active use. Works are expected to take around 12 months and will deliver a building ready to welcome the public.

With funding now in place, the appointment of a main contractor is expected imminently. Contractors are anticipated to be announced shortly, with teams on site within the coming weeks as the physical transformation of Maryfield begins. This marks a visible shift from years of planning to on-the-ground progress.

The Maryfield Transformed campaign will document this journey step by step, sharing updates as work gets underway and milestones are reached. It will chart the transformation of a long-derelict tram depot into the permanent home of the Dundee Museum of Transport, highlighting progress, challenges and key moments along the way.

The museum has been based at Market Mews since 2014, operating from temporary premises while plans for Maryfield were developed. The museum is working towards opening its new home in the first half of 2027, ushering in a new chapter for transport heritage in Dundee.