The Verdant Works’ spectacular High Mill has scooped an international award in recognition of its transformation.
The collapsing Dundee jute mill warehouse building was resurrected and turned into a modern museum and tourist attraction in 2015.
It has now won the conservation category in the 2018 Civic Trust Awards for its outstanding architecture, planning and design.
The popular landmark acts as both historical attraction and practical venue, having hosted the Great Tapestry of Scotland in 2016 and The Courier’s 200th anniversary celebration in the same year.
The work to transform the building took more than a decade to complete, with the mill coming dangerously close to falling down before its rebirth.
One of the architects responsible for the project, Doug Reid, a partner with James F. Stephen Architects, said it was “exceptionally satisfying” to see the High Mill rewarded with international recognition.
He said: “We worked with the Dundee Heritage Trust for more than 10 years to try to find a sustainable and viable new use for the High Mill, having sadly watched it deteriorate almost to the point of self-collapse.
“So it is exceptionally satisfying to see how this unique and innovative space within one of Dundee’s Category A listed buildings is being successfully used not only for museum purposes but also for a wide and diverse range of artistic and cultural events.
“The end result is an exemplar conservation project achieved through the enthusiastic and successful collaboration of the entire project team which will hopefully be enjoyed by both the local community and visitors to Dundee for many years to come.”
Paul Jennings, executive director of Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “We are delighted to see the High Mill project at Verdant Works getting this international recognition from the Civic Trust.
“It was an ambitious and innovative scheme that transformed a derelict and dangerous building into stunning new galleries and learning spaces and gave us the facilities to host lots of new activities and events.
“Dundee is now firmly on the international map as a cultural and design centre, and we’re proud to be part of that.
“Dundee Heritage Trust is a small charity and couldn’t have achieved this amazing result without the support of our staff, volunteers, the professional team and contractors and all of our funders.”
West End councillor Richard McCready said:Â “I would like to congratulate Verdant Works on winning this prestigious award.
“As an UNESCO City of Design it is good to see Dundee projects win awards like this.
“The High Mill project is a great facility which adds to already excellent Verdant Works.
“It just shows that there is so much to see and do in Dundee.”
