Plans to open a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee took a major step forward when project managers were appointed to oversee its construction.
Design Dundee Ltd, the company behind the V&A at Dundee, has appointed Turner and Townsend to deliver the new museum on time and on budget.
They will be responsible for taking the museum from its current stage as a concept design through to the end of construction.
The V&A at Dundee, which is due to open in 2014, will be an international centre for 21st century design for Scotland.
It will showcase Scottish design talent, provide a UK base for international touring exhibitions, and promote a wider understanding and application of design.
A design team led by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates has already been appointed following an international competition.
The V&A, which will be built out over the Tay at Craig Harbour, is expected to create around 50 full-time jobs but support hundreds more spin-off jobs through the boost it is expected to give the Dundee economy.
The building, which will contain a mix of galleries, exhibition spaces and learning areas as well as a cafe and shop, is intended to act as a catalyst for the economic, social and cultural regeneration of Dundee and the surrounding area.
Plans to open an offshoot of the V&A in Dundee were first mooted before the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections.
The museum is expected to become an internationally-recognised symbol of Dundee and help to establish the city as a global player in the design world.
Design Dundee Ltd is a partnership between the Victoria and Albert Museum and Dundee City Council, Dundee and Abertay universities and Scottish Enterprise.
Graham McKee, project leader for the V&A at Dundee, said, “We are delighted to welcome Turner and Townsend to the project and look forward to taking the project onwards with the aid of Turner and Townsend’s considerable expertise.”
Working closely with Design Dundee Ltd and Kengo Kuma and Associates, Turner and Townsend will also develop the project delivery plan and assist the project director in leading the professional team.
Neil McCowan, director of Turner and Townsend, said, “I think it goes without saying that we are delighted Design Dundee Ltd chose us to work with them to deliver this landmark building for Dundee.
“We are looking forward to developing our relationships with the team and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the Dundee waterfront.
“Having previously worked with international architects on a number of large-scale, design-led projects, we are able to highlight and propose solutions to the key issues and challenges the project may face, as well as demonstrating how to manage such a complex project.”