“Detailed work is needed to clear and prepare the site, and the partners' priority is to ensure tight controls on cost and construction standards,” said V&A at Dundee director Philip Long. “At present we are advised construction itself is likely to start early in the summer of 2014.”
He added: “The V&A at Dundee team has been working on detailed plans to translate the outline design into a construction model, and that work is now almost complete. The project is entering a new phase, where within the next few months people will begin to see evidence of V&A at Dundee coming into being.”
It will be the first V&A museum outside London. “Kengo Kuma's fabulous design will give Dundee and Scotland a wonderful space to enjoy outstanding international exhibitions, and to learn about and get involved with Scotland’s remarkable history of design creativity. I believe it will attract visitors from across the world.”
The temporary infill of Craig Harbour beside the RRS Discovery has already begun, incorporating crushed demolition material sourced locally. This will create a platform from which to start work on the Craig Harbour side of the building. Meanwhile, the demolition of the former Olympia Swimming Pool - estimated to take 40 weeks - is scheduled to start in September.
“The projected date for the main fabric of the building to be in place is the end of 2015. Its completion, the interior fit-out and installation of the first exhibitions and displays will follow throughout 2016,” said Long. “We feel this timescale is realistic and, crucially, will ensure V&A at Dundee is ready to play a central role in the UK City of Culture 2017, should the strong case put forward by Dundee be fortunate enough to win.”
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