Leisure complex plans for ruined former indoor market unveiled

Plans have been unveiled for the site of a former market almost a year to the day since it was devastated by a huge fire.

In what is being described as a “significant investment for the city”, the site of Dundee’s former Hilltown Market could be transformed into a multipurpose leisure facility with 10-pin bowling, a children’s play gym, indoor golf, amusements and a bar and restaurant.

Site owner John Gibson said: “I believe a planning application for the site will be submitted imminently.

“We are working with an Irish company from Derry who have done a similar project over there.

“With plans imminent, hopefully work will be able to begin soon. It might be a year or so before it is finished though.

“If people in Dundee want to go bowling the closest place they have is Dunfermline.

“The Hilltown Market site is an ideal location for this kind of development.

“It’s close to the football stadiums and along with the extensive social housing in the area, it’s an incentive to get businesses here.”

Carnoustie-based architect firm Brunton Design is working on the site proposals.

The Hilltown Market and adjacent Fit4Less gym were destroyed by a fire on September 12 last year.

More than 60 firefighters and nine appliances were deployed from across Dundee and further afield to tackle the fire, which took hold of the building and brought down walls.

The market had been due to reopen just weeks before the fire following an 18-month closure.

It was eventually demolished in March, having been deemed beyond repair.