This feature was first published in the Evening Telegraph on 12 November 2024.
Well! What can I say! Last week was full of exciting surprises for Dundee, and I am absolutely buzzing with excitement!
The announcement of LiveHouse Dundee made me so happy! This new venue is set to be a real game-changer, and the reaction to it has been out of this world. With the opening just a month away and more development planned over the next year, we’re about to see an exciting new chapter in Dundee’s entertainment scene.
The Caird Hall has long been iconic, it will always be the “OG” of Dundee venues and a beloved and integral part to the city, but there’s no doubt we’ve needed a new, dedicated space for live entertainment for quite some time. While the initial dream of a 10,000-capacity arena would have been amazing, LiveHouse is a smart, ambitious alternative.
By transforming the historic site of Green’s Playhouse and utilising the existing space into a 4,000-capacity venue, Dundee will now boast the third-largest live event space in Scotland.
The use of Green’s Playhouse adds a perfect touch of nostalgia, nodding to Dundee’s heritage while bringing a much-needed boost to the local scene. I was fortunate to get a sneak preview, and the layout looks amazing—it’s clear this will be a fantastic spot for gigs, comedy, and events that will bring more big acts to Dundee.
Alongside this came proposals for a new indoor food market on Brown Street, another exciting step forward for Dundee. The idea of an indoor market is something we’ve needed for ages—a space where people can experience the city’s diverse food culture, sample amazing produce, and enjoy the atmosphere year-round.
Although some feel The Keiller Centre might be a better location, I think Brown Street brings a fresh energy and could create a community hub for food and local talent.
It’s the kind of place where locals and tourists alike could come to relax, meet friends, and experience the best of Dundee’s culinary scene all under one roof.
And as we look further into the future, the Eden Project promises to put the city on the map in an entirely new way. It’s already gaining international attention, recently being highly commended at the World Architectural Festival, a huge boost for Dundee’s reputation.
Not long ago, I had concerns about the pace of change here, wondering if we’d lost some momentum in the aftermath of the opening of the V&A and the pandemic. But with these exciting new projects and ideas now pushing ahead, Dundee’s transformation feels unstoppable.
The Eden Project will offer an eco-conscious, educational space that draws visitors from around the world, while also celebrating the environment and sustainability.
Dundee stands poised to gain renewed global recognition over the next decade, similar to the buzz around the V&A but with a unique focus on the environment and community.
From LiveHouse to the food market to the Eden Project, these developments prove Dundee is evolving and growing in exciting new ways. This city’s future has never looked brighter!
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