Discovery Point to improve River Tay relationship with new café

Discovery Point to improve River Tay relationship with new café

The transformation of Discovery Point in Dundee looks set to continue after fresh plans were unveiled for a new café.

Dundee Heritage Trust, which runs the attraction, has lodged an application with the city council outlining plans to further enhance the visitor experience.

Working with Aim Design, the Trust hopes to relocate the café to a bigger area with a large picture window offering views over the River Tay.



It forms part of a wider £12 million transformation plan which has already seen the installation of the dome viewing gallery. The 360-degree exhibit opened in 2022 and takes visitors on a CGI journey through Dundee’s industrial past. Upgrades have also previously been made to the entrance and reception areas.

Discovery Point to improve River Tay relationship with new café

The latest plans will make access available from Riverside Walk which will enable evening opening.

Plans for a new south-east opening and balcony have also been developed.



The two-storey opening will provide public access to the “dramatic vista” across the River Tay and onwards towards Fife.

External seating will be provided in addition to “optional independent access from Riverside Walk if specific events require”. The facility is also looking to create space for a permanent gallery on the ground floor.

Discovery Point to improve River Tay relationship with new café

The supporting statement detailed how there is an “increasing need” for new permanent gallery space to “complete the story of exploration” from the early 20th Century through to the 21st Century.



The proposals include the refurbishment and alteration of the present cafe space to provide 130 square metres of permanent ground floor exhibition space.

A 360-degree immersive space will also be created, offering a “world-class AV experience” similar to the RRS Discovery gallery interpretation.

Enhanced conference facilities are also in the works for Discovery Point and it’s planned the space formerly used as a back-of-house storage area will be reconfigured.

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