The regeneration of Dundee waterfront has taken another major step forward with the start of construction work on the city’s new railway station.
Once complete, visitors to Dundee will be greeted with views of the V&A, Discovery and Malmaison as they exit the station.
The former railway station has been demolished and the new station – plus a three-storey, 120-bedroom Sleeperz hotel – will now be built over the tracks.
It will take two years to complete the project but it should be completed by the time the V&A opens in 2018.
Although it is being built over the live railway, services will not be affected during the build.
Contractors Balfour Beatty were awarded the £28 million development contract in August and have now arrived on site to start building the new passenger concourse.
Dundee City Council administration leader Ken Guild also visited the site and said: “After the preparation work clearing away the outdated concourse and tired 1970s structures it is good to see our contractors Balfour Beatty on site and the new buildings getting underway.
“They are committed to providing a lasting benefit for the local community and their winning bid included a detailed community engagement plan.”
Mr Guild described the old station as a “mess” and said people far and wide were beginning to recognise Dundee’s rejuvenation.
“Dundee was, for far too long, a stagnating city but is now moving forward in leaps and bounds.”
Hector MacAulay, Balfour Beatty managing director for east of Scotland, said: “This is a key project in the exciting programme to regenerate the Waterfront in Dundee.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to work with the council to generate significant community involvement in the construction phase through local employment and apprenticeships, which will deliver sustainable benefit to the city in the long term.”