The team behind the project to deliver the V&A in Dundee has “categorically” denied speculation that it is on course to overshoot its £45 million budget.
Responding to rumours in some quarters that the flagship museum on the banks of the Tay is on course to overspend, a Dundee University spokesman said the budget was set and it won’t change.
Dundee University is one of the partner organisations of Design Dundee Ltd, the body leading the project.
The university spokesman confirmed, “People are saying we can’t build that building and come in on budget. But the £45 million budget is the one line that’s been drawn in the sand. The budget can’t change and it won’t change whatever we end up with it will have cost £45 million.”
The V&A at Dundee designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma will sit on the River Tay as the jewel in the city’s new waterfront development. The building encloses 6230 square metres including gallery and exhibition spaces, offices and social areas.
Galleries one and two which will host exhibitions provided by the V&A for the first two years can be used separately or joined to accommodate large-scale exhibitions.
Gallery three will showcase Scottish designers, demonstrating the country’s creative capabilities, while gallery four will focus on Scotland’s historic and ongoing influence on the world of design.
The university spokesman added, “It’s categorically, absolutely not the case that it’s on course to overshoot its budget.
“All six architectural entries were externally assessed to check that the costings were accurate and realistic. The Kengo Kuma design then underwent a further external assessment before it was chosen.
“The Scottish Government Gateway Review gave us a clean bill of health and part of the ongoing refinement work is about keeping an eye on costs to make sure they don’t spiral out of control.
“As far as we’re concerned, the speculation is totally unfounded and we’re moving on with positive momentum.”
Construction work is due to begin in spring next year and should be completed in late 2014, with an anticipated opening date of early 2015.