It’s been just over a week since Dundee and Angus College unveiled an ambitious and transformational vision for supporting economic growth and regeneration in our communities.
Already, Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has commented on it being “exciting” and that he will engage “directly and constructively” with the college on the plans.
This project, spearheaded by our principal, Simon Hewitt, is set to redefine the educational landscape in Dundee and Angus:
Dundee & Angus College has unveiled ambitious plans to drive economic growth and regeneration in the heart of both Dundee and Angus as part of a ten-year vision for a dynamic new way of providing learning, skills, support and advice in the region.
The College is looking to work with a range of local and national partners to develop a model to bring education, employability services and support together under one roof for the first time in Scotland, following an innovative model that has been pioneered in Australia and Scandinavia.
In Dundee, the College is considering relocating to a new facility on the site of the city’s Wellgate Shopping Centre as part of a major new development at the east end of the city centre.
In Arbroath, the College is considering moving their campus into the centre of the town. One of a range of options being explored is developing the site currently occupied by the Abbeygate Shopping Centre, with discussions at a very early stage as the owners consider a range of options for its future.
The College’s third campus at Gardyne would be expanded and developed to include Construction, Engineering and Science in a new purpose-built STEM facility, incorporating a green skills and innovation hub.
Simon Hewitt, Principal of Dundee & Angus College, said: “This is an amazing opportunity to build world-class facilities that are fit for the future and develop a transformational model for education and employment services located in the heart of each community we serve.
An innovative college
At the Service Design Academy, we are so excited to be part of a college with the culture and drive to conceptualise this. The proposed developments, including new campuses in Dundee and Arbroath, are not just about buildings; they represent a holistic approach to education, support, and community space. It reimagines what a college campus could be.
An opportunity
The opportunities this project brings are immense. For the college, it means future-proofed facilities that will enhance learning experiences. For the community, it promises revitalised urban spaces and increased access to essential services. For employability, it could mean a streamlined pathway from unemployment, to education, and to the workforce, tailored to the needs of our region.
At Service Design Academy, we’ve supported and developed service design capacity within employability services in Dundee, Stranraer, Kirkconnel and Kelloholm. Alongside our Principal and Vice Principal Julie Grace’s positions chairing the Dundee and Angus Employability Partnerships, we are excited to continue to cultivate a collaborative and design-led approach to employability service provision.
Simon has already begun discussions around community involvement, emphasising the importance of collaboration and people-centred design. We believe that engaging with people, local partners, and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a future that benefits everyone.
A service design approach
We love this service design approach. It embodies our principles of empathy, co-creation, and iterative development. By placing the needs of students, staff, and the community at the heart of this project, we are confident that it will lead to sustainable and impactful outcomes.
The Service Design Academy is excited to support, contribute to, and benefit from this project. We look forward to the positive changes it will bring to Dundee and Angus, and we are proud to be part of a college that is leading the way in innovative education and community development.
