Major construction projects in Dundee have boosted the local economy by nearly £100 million over the last few years, with £14 million contributed in 2019/20, a new city council report reveals.
Councillors will be told that a wide-ranging capital programme has used 73% of local labour.
City projects include including the Regional Performance Centre for Sport, Waterfront Place, Menzieshill Community Centre, the Earl Grey Building, Balmerino Nursery, the Camperdown Dock to Dundee Airport Flood Protection Scheme and Derby Street housing
The policy and resources committee will consider an annual procurement report, which outlines how dozens of employment opportunities, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities have been created across the projects as a result of the council’s community benefits policy.
They will look at activity across the city from March 2019 to March 2020 at the meeting on Monday November 16.
Council leader Councillor John Alexander said: “We have created jobs and opportunities for local people, including providing employment for people previously unemployed or made redundant, by delivering on our ambitions for the city.
“I am determined that we can do all we can to make Dundee a better city for everyone, and this report details how we are matching ambition with action.
“It also reflects how we are building right across the city to make sure as many communities as possible feel the most benefits.
“We are working hard to make these projects have more sustainable results for the economy and individuals.
“The pandemic and lockdown have created an impact on the construction sector, but we are determined to continue this momentum for the good of the city and its people.”
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
