Work onV&A museum’s construction starts today

THE SYMBOLIC “cutting of the ground” to mark the start of the construction of Dundee’s V&A will take place at the waterfront site today.

More than seven years of planning, discussion and preparation have culminated in today’s historic event, the first “physical” symbol to show that the project will finally go ahead.

It’s a hugely significant milestone in the £80 million project to bring Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’s ambitious vision to fruition.

Diggers and bulldozers have been busily preparing the site for several months and today Kengo Kuma will be on hand to witness at first hand the start to building the “museum with a mission”.

The main building is due to be completed by the end of 2017 and is scheduled to open to the public in June 2018.

Dundee City Council administration leader Councillor Ken Guild said he was delighted the project has now reached the actual construction stage.

He told The Courier: “We are pressing forward with theV&A, we have the finance and the contractor in position and this is the symbolic cutting of the ground.

“I think it’s a landmark moment that assures the people of Dundee that the project is on track, it’s proof that it is going ahead and despite the controversy that has been heaped on the project by others, we have kept our eye on the ball. This is the physical manifestation of that.”

V&A Dundee director Philip Long has described the day as “a thrilling moment in the development ofV&A Dundee”, adding that it was important to acknowledge all the work done and contributions made over the last years and months to get to this stage.

Doug Keillor, regional director of BAM Construction in Scotland, described the V&A project as “unique” and “challenging”.

He said: “This will be the most unique construction project that my team have ever been involved in, both in architectural vision and in the way it will be built. It’s challenging, but in a good way.

“Watching it take shape over the next few years using a combination of local, national and international expertise will be very satisfying.”

The project has been dogged by controversy since the start of the year when it was revealed it was facing a £30 million overspend before construction had even begun.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop told MSPs in January that a “fixed price” deal had been agreed with contractors, and councillors then agreed a new funding package costing £80.11 million.

An artist’s impression of the V&A Dundee, which is now scheduled to open to the public in June 2018 as the cutting of the ground begins today.