Work to transform the vacant Shed 25 at Dundee’s City Quay into a mixed use office and leisure development is now underway.

Entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl and business partner Paddy Burns, the Dundee duo behind the global Minecraft phenomenon, have broken ground on the multi-million-pound building project to revitalise the former dockside warehouse.

The pair have spent months working with Broughty Ferry-based architect Nicoll Russell Studios and contractor Lyon on plans for the development which will provide a new home for their software company 4J Studios and will also have space for 10 other businesses.

The project, which will require an investment in the single-figure millions, will be completed with a new 200-plus seater restaurant and bar facing on to City Quay, which itself is being reinvented as a new marina area by Dundee City Council.

Lord Provost Bob Duncan joined the duo to perform a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony at the site.

Guests were told the development could be open for business in less than year’s time.

Mr Burns told The Courier: “We have got a lot out of Dundee and it is time to give something back and support new business.”

The site will be organised with a central ‘street’ running through its middle with access to seven smaller units capable of accommodating up to 15 people and four larger offices with the capacity to house up to 40 staff.