Dundee V&A: Heritage Lottery Fund pledges another £4.5 million

Dundee’s troubled V&A project has received another major boost with confirmation that the Heritage Lottery Fund will deliver a new £4.5 million grant.

The national body took the decision to back construction of the design museum this afternoon following high-level talks.

Bosses agreed that the building, which backers hope will become one of Scotland’s most iconic modern landmarks, must go ahead.

Its future has been under threat ever since it was announced this month that the project is £31 million over budget and running 18 months late.

Its cost has spiralled to £80.1 million, but while some have questioned whether a rethink is required potential funders have stepped up to help to meet the shortfall.

Dundee City Council has agreed to commit another £6.5 million, following an earlier announcement of an additional £10 million from the Scottish Government.

The HLF had previously committed £9.4 million to the project.

For the latest on the V&A project, see Wednesday’s Courier.