A group of businesses have put their weight behind plans for a V&A at Dundee.
The ambitious plans will result in an international centre of design in the city, which will open in 2015 at Craig Harbour on the banks of the River Tay.
Members of the DD One umbrella organisation, which consults with more than 400 businesses in the city, are backing the plans after being given a presentation by the project’s new head Philip Long.
Derek Little, from Walker Luxury Jewellers and chairman of DD One, said: “The V&A at Dundee is clearly a very exciting opportunity for the whole city of Dundee.
“City centre businesses welcome this unique asset and worthy addition to Dundee’s Waterfront development. We are all keen to work alongside V&A at Dundee to enhance Dundee’s vibrancy and economic prospects and raise the city’s standing as a regional visitor and shopping destination.”
The V&A at Dundee will used by teachers and industry nationwide as a place for the cultivation and exchange of knowledge, opportunity and design innovation.
It will host exhibitions and will have social spaces for people to use to meet, eat, relax, browse, learn and shop in.
The project is being led by Design Dundee Ltd, a partnership between the Victoria and Albert Museum, Dundee City Council, the Universities of Dundee and Abertay Dundee, and Scottish Enterprise.
Philip Long, director of the V&A at Dundee, said: “It is extremely heartening to know that the business community in Dundee is showing such positive backing for our project. As well as a cultural attraction, the V&A at Dundee is also a project aimed at boosting economic development in the city and wider region Dundee.”