Kanzen for Life has announced a significant milestone in the development of its flagship project, the Kanzen for Life Centre, with planning permission approved by Dundee City Council.
This official approval marks a major step forward in delivering a transformative new community hub in the heart of Stobswell, Dundee.
The Kanzen for Life Centre will convert 538 square metres of warehousing on Clepington Road into a hub of wellbeing, health, activity, learning and development. The Centre will become an important resource to the Stobswell West community, an area identified as being in the most deprived 5% of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Roy O’Kane, Charity Chief Officer of Kanzen for Life, said, “This is the green light we’ve been working towards and we welcome the news that planning permission has been granted. This is about so much more just about opening a building. It’s about building better lives and empowering communities. This Centre will be a place to bring people together to connect in the heart of the community and a project which the city can be proud of.”
With the Change of Use now approved, the project will enter its next phase of continued capital fundraising and development. The total estimated value of the development stands at more than £1million, including the creation of 10 new jobs and a substantial increase in the charity’s capacity to deliver impactful services for people of all ages.
Mr O’Kane continued, “We’ve secured initial backing and we’re continuing to invite funders, supporters and partners to join us in making a difference. With continued investment and financial support, we can bring the Kanzen for Life Centre to life and offer real opportunity, connection and hope to the people who need it most. This is a chance to be part of something that will make a significant difference to hundreds of people every week.”
The organisation has already secured a 20-year lease agreement, providing long-term stability, and is working in collaboration with Jon Frulanni Architects, the award-winning Dundee-based firm known for its inclusive, community-focused design. With plans approved, the charity will turn its attention to the re-development of the site.
Mr O’Kane added, “We have done big things in the past and our team is bringing that same approach to this project. It’s bold, it’s necessary, and the timing could not be more critical. Kanzen for Life is motivated by purpose and impact and we cannot wait to deliver for Dundee with this project.”
The Kanzen for Life Centre is designed to tackle long-standing challenges in the local area. These include poor mental health outcomes with 30% of adults in the Stobswell area being prescribed medication for mental health conditions alongside child poverty, inactivity and social isolation.
In response, the Centre will offer:
- Accessible physical activity programmes grounded in strong values
- Services promoting mental health and wellbeing
- Leadership, mentoring and employability support
- A collaborative space for use by charities and social enterprises
- New job creation and measurable economic impact.
To date, the project has been backed by an expanding coalition of supporters including Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP, Michael Marra MSP, Chris Law MP, The Stobswell Forum and more than 30 community partners.
Kanzen for Life
Kanzen for Life is an award-winning social enterprise charity committed to building better lives and empowering communities.
