Readers react to £265m Dundee and Angus College campus shake-up plan

Readers have been having their say on Dundee and Angus College’s ambitious £265m transformation plan.

It was revealed on Thursday that the college is plotting a takeover of the Wellgate Shopping Centre in order to create a new purpose-built campus in Dundee city centre.

A new Arbroath campus is also planned, with the college in early discussions with the owners of the Abbeygate Shopping Centre regarding the potential redevelopment of the site.

And the existing Gardyne campus is set for an expansion to include construction, engineering and science in a new STEM facility.

It’s expected the ten-year project will cost in the region of £265m to deliver.

‘Help to revitalise a struggling area’

The potential redevelopment of Dundee city centre has been met with intrigue and excitement by our readers.

Commenting on Facebook, Joe Horsburgh said: “This would benefit the city centre by increasing footfall, helping to revitalise a struggling area, and making better use of empty spaces.

“Local businesses could see a boost as students and staff use nearby shops, cafes, and services, creating more demand and potentially attracting new retailers.

“For students, the central location offers easier access to public transport, shops, and city amenities, making their daily lives more convenient.

“The public could also benefit from a livelier city centre, with the potential for new facilities, events, and improved infrastructure that supports both the college and the wider community.”

Nicky Ralph added: “What a brilliant idea. It would be great to see this part of the city centre filled with young people and students again.”

Paul Ross wrote: “Exactly what the city centre needs. A campus like this would breathe new life into the city centre and would be a lifeline to the high street.”

While welcoming the plans, others called for improved transport links from Dundee to areas outside of the city.

Commenting on The Courier website, user JJ2200 said: “Actually a good idea – if it happens.

“Footfall from students and staff would increase, which is good for the struggling shops that are dotted over the city centre.

“However, more work will be needed to have better public transport, which is shocking in and around the whole area.

“(It’s) not just connecting Dundee but Angus and Fife properly to Dundee through reliable and affordable transport. Issues with parking already exist.”

Arbroath reaction

However, some in Angus were concerned the move could see the Arbroath college offering shrink.

‘Concerned Arbroath’ wrote: “It looks like the Arbroath Campus is going to virtually disappear with the majority of courses being based in Dundee.

“This was forecast years ago when Dundee and Angus Colleges merged. The smaller and better run college is going to be swallowed up by the larger one.

“Past and present staff have been predicting this for years.”

Another commenter worried the town centre could be impacted during the times the college was closed.

Stuart Walker wrote: “No doubt existing Abbeygate retailers will move to the expanding out of town retail parks and remaining town centre shops will shut when footfall drops.

“Arbroath town centre will become a ghost town at weekends when the college is shut.”

Dundee and Angus College say they remain committed to staying in Arbroath.