£11M Bell Street Hub to Lead Sustainable Travel Revolution
Dundee is set to accelerate its green ambitions with plans for a transformative Green Transport Hub at the Bell Street multi-storey car park. If councillors approve a tender worth £11.18 million, the project will take a major step forward, marking a key milestone in the city's journey toward sustainable urban development.
The initiative, part of Dundee’s commitment to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, has already seen enabling works worth £4.5 million underway. The council’s Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee is expected to discuss the tender, awarded to McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd, on January 6, 2025.
The redevelopment of the Bell Street car park into a Green Transport Hub aims to revolutionise how people travel in Dundee. The hub will provide infrastructure to promote sustainable transport options, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and active travel, improving connectivity and making the city centre more eco-friendly and accessible.
The main contract works include:
Electric Vehicle Charging: A comprehensive installation of EV chargers, supported by a solar panel array on the car park roof and a battery storage system to ensure energy efficiency.
Active Travel Facilities: A cycle storage and bike reuse centre on the ground floor to encourage cycling as a primary mode of transport.
Upgraded Infrastructure: A full mechanical and electrical overhaul of the facility, along with new cladding to modernise the structure.
Enhanced Landscaping: The surrounding area will be upgraded with active travel routes and green spaces, designed to integrate with future sustainable transport connections and city developments.
Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure, highlighted the project’s transformative potential. “This ambitious redevelopment represents a pioneering step toward a greener city,” he said. “It aligns with our vision of tackling climate change while making Dundee a safer, more connected, and attractive place to live, work, and visit.”
The project is supported by significant external funding. A substantial £14.4 million was secured from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, underscoring the national importance of Dundee’s green initiatives. Additionally, £1.6 million has been allocated from Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, further boosting the project’s sustainable credentials.
Procurement has been managed through the SCAPE Framework, ensuring efficient delivery and adherence to industry best practices.
The £4.5 million enabling works currently being carried out at Bell Street are laying the groundwork for the larger project. These efforts reflect Dundee’s proactive approach to embedding sustainability in its urban infrastructure.
The Green Transport Hub is part of the city’s broader Hub & Spokes Initiative, a network of interconnected green transport solutions designed to encourage residents and visitors to adopt sustainable travel options. This holistic approach is aimed at reducing the city’s carbon footprint and easing the transition to net zero.
The Green Transport Hub is more than a car park upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. By prioritising sustainable transport, Dundee positions itself as a leader in Scotland’s green transition. The project’s potential benefits include:
Reduced Emissions: By facilitating the adoption of EVs and cycling, the hub will help lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in Dundee.
Enhanced Mobility: Improved infrastructure for active travel and EVs will make it easier for people to move around the city without relying on traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.
Economic Growth: The hub could attract visitors and businesses interested in eco-friendly initiatives, boosting the local economy while creating jobs.
Community Impact: Green spaces and improved connectivity will make Dundee a more pleasant and sustainable place to live.
While the project has significant potential, it is not without challenges:
Cost Management: The total investment in the Green Transport Hub is substantial, and the council will need to ensure efficient use of funds to deliver long-term value.
Behavioural Change: Encouraging residents and visitors to adopt sustainable transport options will require ongoing education and incentives.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The success of the hub will depend on how well it connects with Dundee’s existing and planned transport systems.
If approved, the Bell Street Green Transport Hub will not only transform a multi-storey car park but also represent a bold step toward a sustainable future for Dundee. With funding secured and a clear vision in place, the project is poised to make a lasting impact on the city’s environmental and social landscape.
As Councillor Rome noted, “This hub is designed to help change people’s travel habits for the future.” By embracing sustainable transport solutions, Dundee is charting a path that other cities can follow, showcasing how urban areas can lead the way in tackling climate change while enhancing quality of life.
With the tender decision just weeks away, Dundee residents can look forward to a greener, more connected city that prioritises both people and the planet. The Bell Street Green Transport Hub is set to become a cornerstone of this vision, proving that local initiatives can drive global progress.
