Council’ s £1.1m pledge on back of Eden dream

Dundee City Council has pledged more than £1 million of investment in jobs, community wellbeing, tackling climate change and helping progress the Eden Project, it can be revealed.

In what are being described as “hugely ambitious proposals” by administration leader John Alexander, a further £1.1m of funding will be earmarked after councils received a funding boost from the Scottish Government.

Local authorities received the payment after £40m of one-off funding was provided, following Kate Forbes’ budget.

In an exclusive interview, the Strathmartine councillor has set out how his administration plans to spend the money, which includes £150,000 to be spent on securing more modern apprenticeships.

There will also be two new posts created within the council – a community environment officer focused on community engagement on climate change, and an urban sustainable transport officer, who will be focused on supporting increased cycling and walking.

Mr Alexander said: “We were delighted to receive an extra £1.1m and we can now set out how this money will benefit the people of Dundee. Our hugely ambitious proposals will deliver important benefits for Dundonians.

“Our focus on young people, education, communities, employment and the climate emergency is clear for all to see and this funding will allow us to accelerate progress in key areas, particularly climate change.

“Our plans include creating additional modern apprenticeships, supporting young people to gain new employment. We will also work with Leisure and Culture Dundee to ensure that activities and venues are accessible to our communities as we move through Covid-19 recovery.”

Mr Alexander previously said the public will be “blown away” by the Eden Project, and has allocated £80,000 to take the feasibility study to the next stage.

The charity has a “global garden” in tropical biomes across a space the size of 30 football pitches at its site in Cornwall – and in 2017 revealed plans to create Edens across the globe. Earlier this year Eden chief David Harland dropped several clues about how the eco-visitor attraction will work in Dundee.

Dundee Transport Museum bosses are eagerly awaiting reopening their doors next week in Market Mews, having refurbished its shop and cafe.

Further plans for expansion and a move to Maryfield Tram Depot are in the pipeline, with £20,000 allocated by the council to support this.

Mr Alexander said: “Funding for Eden and the Dundee Transport Museum will allow both of these projects planning and delivery to move forward. Both projects are hugely ambitious and will deliver environmental, societal and economic benefits for the wider city.

“In relation to the climate emergency, 50% of this funding will go towards measures to mitigate climate change. This follows positive discussions between myself and environmental and community groups in Dundee.

“A new £250,000 Community Climate Change Fund will use participatory budgeting to engage with and empower communities and deliver projects which could relate to biodiversity, community growing, sustainable transport or other measures which mitigate our impact on the climate.

“Coupled with funding for cycling, walking and new posts to support this work, it is a significant investment.”