This feature was originally published in the Evening Telegraph on 26 November 2024.
Over the past few years, Dundee and Angus College have impressed me immensely with their remarkable achievements and forward-thinking ambitions.
The new proposals to transform the Wellgate Centre into a state-of-the-art college campus, exclusively reported by Laura Devlin in The Courier, have sparked widespread excitement among Dundonians.
The plan has also ignited some fascinating debates about the future of this iconic space. The Wellgate’s transformation into a vibrant educational hub could breathe new life into the city centre, which has long sought a compelling reason to draw people back in.
This ambitious concept is exactly the kind of vision Dundee and Angus College has excelled at under the leadership of principal Simon Hewitt.
His tenure has been defined by bold moves and a clear commitment to shaping the college's progressive and inclusive future.
Hewitt’s leadership has not only reimagined what the college can achieve but also positioned it as a vital player in Dundee’s evolution as a dynamic, modern city.
The Wellgate itself has been crying out for rejuvenation for years. I remember in 2013 when there was talk of transforming it into a multiplex cinema – an exciting idea at the time, but one that ultimately never materialised.
Later, there were proposals to demolish Wellgate entirely and reopen the historic thoroughfare it once stood on. Each idea has seemed promising in its own way, but none has captured the collective imagination of Dundonians quite like this college campus proposal.
If successful, this project could be transformative not just for the Wellgate but for the city as a whole, creating a beacon of learning and innovation in the heart of Dundee.
This isn’t the only example of Dundee and Angus College pushing boundaries. Over the last few years, the college has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of significant movements and industries.
Recently, it became the first institution in Scotland to receive College of Sanctuary status. This prestigious recognition highlights the college's dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for refugees, embracing diversity, and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone who steps through its doors.
The college’s contributions to Dundee’s thriving esports sector are another shining example of its innovative spirit. Esports is one of the city’s fastest-growing industries, built on the foundation of Dundee’s already well-established reputation in the gaming world.
When plans for the city’s 4,000-capacity esports arena faltered and its capacity was dramatically scaled back, Dundee and Angus College stepped in to ensure the momentum wasn’t lost.
Launching Scotland’s first esports course and opening the country’s first dedicated Esports Studios at its Gardyne campus, the college showed its ability to adapt and lead in an emerging market.
When I toured the esports studios last year, I saw first-hand the passion and commitment of the staff and students driving this initiative forward. Their dedication underscored why the college continues to thrive: it embraces the next generation while always keeping an eye on Dundee’s broader future.
As Dundee and Angus College charts its ambitious course forward, it exemplifies the spirit of a city in reinvention. From reimagining the Wellgate Centre to building industries of the future like esports, the college’s innovative approach shows that education is not just about learning but about transformation.
With its commitment to inclusivity and progress, the college stands as a cornerstone of Dundee’s next chapter – a chapter brimming with promise and opportunity for all.
Headline photo by BDP.
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