Dundee 1881 has proposed to breathe new life into Dundee city centre, through repurposing the Keiller Quarter site.
The announcement of Keiller Quarter as a mix of new student homes, commercial space and public realm, has been made by building owners, Dundee 1881 Ltd.
This is a special-purpose vehicle set up specifically to purchase and invest in the future of the Keiller Centre. It follows years of decline and numerous attempts to promote the Centre for other uses.
This planned development will also provide a significant opportunity to reinstate the historical thoroughfare, as well as introduce new high-quality private and public realm – including greenspaces and lighting – and commercial space.
Providing much-needed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) will bring activity and vitality to the heart of the city centre. Students are significant contributors to the local economy, spending money in shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Prior to the submission of a planning application for Keiller Quarter, two public consultation events will be held. The first took place on 29 January 2025, the second to be held on 27 February 2025. The submission of a planning application is anticipated to take place in Spring 2025.
“These exciting proposals will serve to repurpose the Keiller Centre, breathing new life into Dundee city centre through the delivery of a vibrant urban quarter. Keiller Quarter will include much-needed student accommodation, commercial uses and high-quality public realm, supporting local education and stimulating the local economy.
“After taking stock following our purchase, and trying other initiatives, we recognised that there was no realistic option other than repurposing the Centre, which offers the best option for the site and for the city centre.
“The development will re-establish a sense of place at this location, as well as acting as a catalyst for regeneration, enhancing one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares and bringing new vitality to the area.
“Our proposals are fully in accordance with the Dundee Strategic Investment Plan 2050, which sets out a long-term vision and identifies a wide variety of opportunities, including doubling the number of residents within the recognised town centre area, and doubling the number of visitors and visitor spend in the next 10 years.
“We look forward to engaging with the local community and other key stakeholders as we consult in advance of the submission of a planning application.”
Spokesperson, Dundee 1881 Limited
Dundee is facing a recognised critical shortage of high-quality PBSA, which has been historically undersupplied. The Keiller Quarter development will, together with similar proposals across the city, help address the growing demand and has the potential to free up housing more appropriate for families, easing Dundee’s housing shortage.
New student homes will also help to provide tourist accommodation in the heart of the city centre during summer months, helping the wider city centre economy and supporting growing tourist attractions.
Between 2016/17 and 2022/23, according to the Higher Education Students Agency (HESA), the number of full-time students at University of Dundee and Abertay University, have increased by just under a quarter (24%) from 14,475 to 17,950, amounting to 3,475 students.
Indeed, a report by the cross-party group on housing, suggest a shortfall in 2022/23, of 6,084 PBSA bed spaces in the Scottish city.
