THE ORGANISERS of a bid to create a museum of transport in Dundee have revealed they are confident of opening early this year.
While efforts continue to secure a permanent home for the attraction in Stobsmuir, committee members are busy preparing a temporary space near the city centre.
Volunteers are now being sought to complete the transformation of the collection’s initial home.
A spokesman for the museum said: “Dundee Museum of Transport has acquired temporary premises at Market Mews, on the corner of Market Street and Broughty Ferry Road, near the centre of the city.
“These temporary premises will allow us to display some of the transport-related memorabilia we have already amassed while we still pursue our ultimate goal of moving into the former Maryfield tram depot in Forfar Road.
“Work is already under way on the temporary premises to prepare them for us to be able to move in and open to the public and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted us with this.
“As well as the indoor space there is also a lot of outdoor space that may be suitable for vehicle gatherings or other special events.”
Several groups and individuals have been working for years to acquire and preserve the transport past of the area all without having a place to let the public see this “hidden heritage”.
Dundee businessman James McDonell invited representatives from several local groups to come together in 2010 with a view to establishing the Dundee Museum of Transport.
This met an enthusiastic response and a committee was elected in the hope of advancing the project as quickly as possible.
Charitable status has also been secured.
The spokesman added: “Work is now progressing at a rapid rate. However, the more helpers we have the quicker we can open to the public. We are hoping to open early in 2013.”
The museum of transport held events throughout last year, with more planned this year.
A mobile exhibition trailer was officially unveiled in June during the diamond jubilee weekend.
Since then the trailer and other vehicles have been displayed on Magdalene Green and in Baxter Park.
sgillespie@thecourier.co.uk