The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
BT to move 1,000 staff into new development
BT plans to relocate 1,000 Dundee staff to a new multimillion-pound development at the rear of Groucho’s record shop.
The Courier revealed the ambitious plans to redevelop the vacant city centre site last week.
Property development company Crucible (Dundee) Ltd lodged an application for an office, residential and retail project across two buildings on land at Greenmarket, at the corner of Marketgait.
BT confirmed it is lined up as the tenant for the development, which will cost several million pounds and is due to be completed in late 2023. The telecoms giant will then vacate offices on Ward Road it has occupied since 1976.
John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “Today’s announcement by
BT is a huge vote of confidence in the city and in our plans.
“It is clear BT shares our vision for a Dundee that has a strong and sustainable economy providing jobs, retaining more graduates and making the city a magnet for new talent, while at the same time offering real choice and opportunity in a place that has tackled the root causes of social and economic exclusion.
“I am delighted BT sees Dundee as a good place to do business and recruit its present and future workforce.”
Last summer BT committed to Dundee as it looked to reduce its number of offices.
BT said the investment will help transform the way it works, create efficiencies and enable it to better serve customers.
Jane Wood, BT Group Scotland director, said: “As one of the largest employers in Tayside, we know this investment will be welcomed by many people, not least my colleagues who will be based at this brilliantly designed new office.
“We’re pleased that Dundee, an iconic Scottish city, will remain home to nearly 1,000 frontline workers who help
customers. We look forward to welcoming staff into our new building when it’s complete.”
The new building will include what the designers have described as a “street landscape”.
These are areas for workers to socialise while enjoying great views over Dundee and the River Tay.
The plans also include 16 flats and four retail outlets.
The site has been vacant since the late 1980s, when it was occupied by Mitchell’s Self Drive.
Previous ambitions for the prominent site included a 104-room hotel, offices and public bar.
Plans for the transformation of the site received a largely positive reaction last week.
Michael Smart at Crucible Developments said: “The site is undoubtedly one of the best in Dundee.
“We are extremely proud of the building our team have created.
“We hope to commence construction as soon as possible.”
The council’s planning committee is due to make a decision on the application in August.
Legendary Dundee record shop Groucho’s closed last year.