Construction work on Dundee’s new £28m rail station officially began today.
Contractors Balfour Beatty arrived on the site to start the work which is expected to be complete in just over two years.
The old station was demolished earlier this year to make for the new station, which will host a 120-bedroom Sleeperz Hotel.
Rail services will not be disrupted by the construction of the new station.
The work will provide 122 construction jobs each year of the two-year project, which is expected to generate more than £11m for the local economy.
In addition, once the station opens, a further 75 jobs will be created thanks to a number of new facilities.
Dundee City Council leader Ken Guild welcomed the start of the latest project in the city’s £1bn Waterfront development.
He said: “After the preparation work clearing away the outdated concourse and tired 1970s structures it is good to see our contractors Balfour Beatty on site and the new buildings getting underway.
“They are committed to providing a lasting benefit for the local community and their winning bid included a detailed community engagement plan.”
“In total the work will bring more than 120 construction jobs per year for the two years of the build; £11.6m of gross added value to the local economy; and knock on benefits to the local supply chain, which all add up to make the concourse project a key economic driver for the city while it is being built.
“In addition when the new railway station concourse opens it will create jobs in the associated hotel and retail development.
“Dundee was, for far too long, a stagnating city but is now moving forward in leaps and bounds.”
Hector MacAulay, Balfour Beatty managing director for east of Scotland, said: “This is a key project in the exciting programme to regenerate the Waterfront in Dundee.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to work with the council to generate significant community involvement in the construction phase through local employment and apprenticeships, which will deliver sustainable benefit to the city in the long term.”