The Story

A long-term strategy to replace energy infrastructure has led to proposals to create a new heating system for the University. While this will have a transformative impact for Abertay, it also has the potential to catalyse a much wider heat network for Dundee.

Using sewer-sourced heat technology, the project would see outdated legacy fuel infrastructure removed from campus to be replaced by a modern, efficient and sustainable energy centre, built on the footprint on the current car park.

But the University’s ambitions go much further.

A second phase of the plan seeks to maximise the opportunity by building a bespoke Health and Wellbeing hub for use by students, staff and the local community above the energy centre. This would house a new wellbeing clinic and many other teaching, research and community fitness and health activities. Crucially, the new hub would be designed to be highly energy efficient, allowing the University to replace or reuse older areas of campus and further reduce its carbon footprint.

The vision for the estate links in with Dundee City Council’s adjacent Green Transport Hub, potentially creating a new public plaza for the north of the city centre.

Chief Estates Officer, Cullen Warnock said: “Abertay University is committed to advancing a sustainable future—not only on our campus but across Dundee. By investing in innovative heat network solutions, we’re aiming to both modernise our infrastructure and support our community’s energy resilience.”