Dundee Museum of Transport gets green light for Maryfield move

Published: 18/04/2023

Dundee Museum of Transport welcomes news that their planning application for exciting new premises has been approved.

The Museum bought the former Maryfield Tram Depot and two acres of grounds in 2015, and has been working with local architect Andrew Black and his team to design a world-class transport museum housed in this iconic building.
 
The Museum has been operating from Market Mews on Market Street since 2014 aiming to preserve the transport heritage of Dundee and the surrounding area, tell stories and showcase classic vehicles. Transport of the present and future with its focus on net-zero and sustainability reflect the forward-thinking city of Dundee too.
 
Work to make the Maryfield building safe and weatherproof started in January this year. Planning approval means that the full restoration and development of the site can get underway.
 
Phase 1 will see the restoration of the western half of the building, which dates back to 1901, and the conversion into a fantastic new exhibition space. The museum will relocate its collections to Maryfield and hopes to reopen to the public around Easter 2024.
 
Phase 2 will create archive and storage space, a range of community-focused spaces and areas for staff and volunteers, in the eastern part of the building, and will take place after the museum has reopened.
 
The project is expected to cost in the region of £5 million, and fundraising efforts will continue throughout 2024. Donations can be made on the Museum website www.dmoft.co.uk
 
Dr Paul Jennings, Executive Director said “Securing planning permission for our Maryfield site is incredibly exciting. This has been many years in the making, and it’s great to be able to move onto the next stage of the project. The new museum will celebrate Dundee’s transport heritage but also take a look into the future of transport.
 
“Where better to relocate the museum to than a building that has been synonymous with transport for well over 100 years? Our restoration of the building will celebrate its own heritage, one of the few remaining buildings in the city to be brought back to life and public use. We will continue our fundraising efforts in order to deliver the new museum to an ambitious timetable.”