District 10: investing in Dundee

A new £1.7 million development to support Scotland’s growing creative industries sector is underway on Dundee’s waterfront. 

Located at Seabraes Yard, the innovative development called District 10, will offer approximately 950m² of flexible office accommodation, meeting and networking space, constructed from recycled shipping containers.

In order to transform the shipping containers into a workable office environment they are being fitted with timber close panel factory applied linings, including a central steel self-supported stairwell and a lift. The containers are also being fitted with a photovoltaic bank installed at roof level. The project will be delivered to ‘BREEAM Excellent’ standard within the ethos of the Dundee Waterfront ‘BREEAM Sustainable Communities’ bid.
Designed to meet the needs of Scotland’s early stage creative industries companies, the development is expected to support up to 38 new high value jobs and contribute up to £10 million to the Tayside economy over the next decade.

The project is being delivered by economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, as part of the ambitious Dundee Waterfront regeneration project which is expected to see in excess of £100 million of capital projects started or completed during 2013.

Scottish Enterprise director of business infrastructure, Allan McQuade said:

“District 10 is an exciting new development that will stimulate economic growth both for Tayside and the wider Scottish economy by further enhancing Dundee Waterfront’s reputation as a first class location for business.

“The Creative Industries sector has long been an integral part of both the regional and national economy, with our Arts and Creative Industries companies contributing more than £3.2 billion to the Scottish economy.

“Dundee already has a fantastic reputation for creative companies developing innovative products, like the record-breaking Minecraft for Xbox 360 from 4J Studios and Brightsolid’s work on findmypast.com, as well as being the birthplace of The Beano and Lemmings game.

“District 10 has been designed specifically to meet the needs of these early stage businesses in the sector that require flexible accommodation which will allow them to grow as part of a vibrant creative industries community.”

The project is joint funded by Scottish Enterprise, the European Regional Development Fund, Tayside charity Matthew Trust and received a financial boost from the Scottish Government’s capital investment in shovel ready projects. Construction work is being carried out by Maxi Construction- a Scottish contractor, established since 1971, providing new build, extension and refurbishment works in all market sectors.   As part of the Maxi Group, Maxi Construction has continued to trade profitably despite the economic downturn and the Group has continued to grow, turning over £47m in the latest financial year.

Maxi Construction’s managing director, John Aitchison, welcomed the award of this contract and commented:

“Maxi Construction is looking forward to working with Scottish Enterprise and the District 10 project team in delivering a sustainable workplace for creative industries in Dundee.”

The project team includes Architect aim, Quantity Surveyor Christie & Partners, Structural Engineer Fairhurst and Service Engineers BBHP.

Works are expected to be completed by summer 2013.