The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Discovery Point upgrade plan
Plans for a multim i l l ion -pound redevelopment of one of Dundee’s be s t - loved v i s i to r a tt r a c t i o n s h av e been revealed.
Architects working with Dundee Heritage Trust hope to refashion Discovery Point, home to the iconic research sh ip RRS Discovery since 1993, adding five fresh minia t t r a c t i o n s a n d substantially altering the building to make it more energy efficient and provide views of the River Tay.
Architect Ged Young, of Aim Design, said: “It’s another great story for Dundee. It is already a recognised five-star attraction and these improvements will raise it to another level.”
Proposed changes include a zinc-clad glass extension, which will command a 180° panoramic view of the river.
This will incorporate additional conference and events space as well as a cafe. The design will include solar panels fitted to its roof.
Visitors will be able to access the dome le vel gallery for the first time, o ff e r i n g further 360° panoramic views of the city, waterfront and River Tay.
T he galler y will use virtual reality technology for visitors to step back in time to view Dundee as it was in 1901, the year of the Discovery’s launch.
A permanent climate change gallery will offer a nod to the RRS Discovery’s past when scientists used the ship for research in Antarctica that is still in use today.
Mr Young added: “The new dome galler y and extension enhance the attractions appeal to a g r ea t e r aud i en c e introducing dramatic snapshots of the city ’s waterfront and the river beyond.”
Dundee Heritage Trust chief executive Deirdre Robertson revealed the c urrent building costs £155,000 a year to heat, at a community consultation event earlier this year.
Ms Robertson said: “We are delighted to be working on such exciting plans to realise the building’s full potential, to future proof the building by bringing it up to the best possible environmental standards and to reposition our offer to widen our appeal.
“We hope it will position us well to manage the many challenges the industry will be facing over the next few years.”
The plans will be online for viewing and comment after officials complete the validation process.