Passengers were joined by minister for public health and sport Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Lord Provost Ian Borthwick and representatives from Dundee City Council, contractors Balfour Beatty, suppliers and operators for the first day of operation at one of Dundee Waterfront’s most prominent building projects.

Completed by Balfour Beatty in 32 months, the building hosts a new passenger concourse and ticketing facilities, as well as a café/restaurant and retail space.

A new 120 bedroom hotel operated by Sleeperz Hotels is accommodated on three floors above the new concourse.

Designed by Jacobs and local architects Nicoll Russell Studios to create an impressive new landmark within the Central Waterfront development, it provides an attractive gateway into the city for thousands of rail passengers.

In total the building is constructed on 188 piles to raise it above the platforms to street level, which are connected by lifts and escalators.

The building’s steel frame weighs more than 2600 tonnes, with another 500 tonnes of metal in the bridge beams, the longest of which is 38.5 metres.

More than 2,200 cubic metres of concrete was poured into the floor slab and foundations, enough to almost fill an Olympic sized swimming pool.

Joe FitzPatrick MSP said: “The revitalised Dundee Station creates a gateway to the city and is an excellent example of how the industry can work in partnership with the public and private sector to deliver to wider regeneration goals. It is also delivering additional benefits through significantly increased cycle facilities, providing cycling capability to all parts of the Waterfront Development.

“The investment in this station is just one part of our efforts to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. We look forward to the delivering more services and more seats in the north east making rail travel even easier, bringing with that benefits for communities, business and tourism alike.”

Lord Provost Ian Borthwick said: “This building is concrete evidence of the new Dundee. A city that is getting fairer, more resilient and where there are opportunities for all of our young people.

“The opening of the new railway station is a move towards creating a strong and sustainable city economy that will raise the quality of life and improve the environment. It is a great building that will present our best face to first time and repeat visitors.”

Councillor Lynne Short, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “The origin of the project goes back some 18 years and is testament to the public partners’ tenacity and the council’s leadership that it has been delivered at all and in time for the opening of V&A Dundee.”

Alex Hynes, ScotRail Alliance managing director, added: “The city of Dundee is undergoing a major transformation, and I am proud that the station is at the heart of that investment. Improved station facilities in Dundee and across the country are a key part of our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.”

Images courtesy of Network Rail Scotland