This feature originally appeared in the Evening Telegraph on 17 December 2024.
Last year, I wrote about my hopes for the Keiller Centre, suggesting it could become “Dundee’s answer to Covent Garden.”
The idea resonated with many, tapping into a shared nostalgia for the once-thriving shopping arcade.
Fast forward to today, and we are seeing exciting plans taking shape to repurpose the site into the Keiller Quarter—an ambitious project blending green spaces, residential and commercial areas, and student accommodation.
The transformation of the Keiller Centre over the past few years has been nothing short of inspiring. Under Kathryn Rattery’s management, the site has reinvented itself as an arts and culture hub.
During my last visit, I was drawn to the Federation Gallery’s Back to the Future exhibition, which showcases pictures of panoramic views of Dundee’s past at the turn of the millennium and then during the Thundersnow storm of 2010, curated by Alan Hillyer.
This reinvention shows how spaces like the Keiller Centre can adapt to Dundee’s evolving identity.
However, the physical condition of the centre cannot be ignored. While the current plans may involve closing the building, the appetite for change among its operators is admirable.
The vision for Keiller Quarter offers a chance to revitalise this area for a new generation.
Unsurprisingly, the inclusion of student accommodation has sparked debate. Critics argue that Dundee has too much already.
While the concerns are understandable, they miss the bigger picture. Dundee is home to thousands of students from over 140 countries, including some attending St Andrews University, drawn here by affordability and proximity.
Accommodating these students strengthens Dundee’s economy, supports local businesses, and can even build cultural exchange.
As someone who remembers the Keiller Centre’s heyday, I am thrilled by the thought of its legacy living on in the Keiller Quarter. The plans promise to preserve its spirit while reimagining the space for modern needs.
I believe this site could become the perfect home for Dundee’s planned street food hub, currently proposed for Brown Street. Its central location and vibrant concept make it an ideal fit. And many upon many of Dundonians appear to agree with this sentiment.
Additionally, the new development must continue the artistic and cultural role that the Federation Gallery and other creative initiatives have cultivated.
This is essential to Dundee’s reputation as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design and to ensuring that the Keiller Quarter becomes a hub for innovation, creativity, and community.
For me, the Keiller Quarter is more than a redevelopment project, it’s a symbol of progress and adaptability.
The Keiller Centre holds a special place in the hearts of Dundonians, and these plans ensure its spirit endures.
Whatever the future holds, the Keiller Centre’s story is far from over.
And with these exciting plans, it has the potential to play a significant role in Dundee’s future once again.
