CHAP Group has officially started on site thus commencing the major restoration works at the historic Category B Listed Maryfield Tram Depot, which had been on the buildings at risk register since 2002.
This marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the building into the future home of the Dundee Museum of Transport.
The event that took place on Thursday officially marks the groundbreaking and commencement of work on site.
CHAP Group welcomed the following partners to celebrate the official groundbreaking ceremony:
- Councillor and Leader of Dundee City Council, Mark Flynn.
- Councillor and Trustee of Dundee Museum of Transport, Lynne Short.
- Paul Jennings, Executive Director, Dundee Museum of Transport.
- Paul Matthew, Area Construction Director, CHAP Group.
- Representatives from the Design Team Consultants [list out once confirmed]
- and representatives from the press
Background to the project
The museum purchased the former tram depot in 2015 with the ambition of restoring the landmark building and creating a new permanent museum space celebrating Dundee’s rich transport heritage. The commissioning of CHAP Group to undertake essential restoration, conservation and fit-out works, alongside Dundee Plant Company Ltd for advanced demolition works, represents a major step forward for the project.
The construction works are planned to take 12 months to complete. The new museum is expected to open in the first half of 2027.
Originally constructed in 1901, the Maryfield Tram Depot expanded alongside the rapid growth of Dundee’s tram network, with further extensions added in 1913 and 1920. At its peak, the depot was capable of housing up to 70 trams, serving as a vital part of the city’s transport infrastructure.
Today the building remains an imposing landmark, stretching approximately 120 metres in length, and visitors who have toured the depot are often surprised by the vast internal space it provides. It
The restored depot will allow the museum to expand significantly. A new permanent exhibition space will be created within the original 1901 section of the building – an area more than 30% larger than the museum’s current premises at Market Mews. Overall, the redeveloped depot will be almost three times the size of the existing museum operation.
Visitors will enter the new museum through the 1913 extension, which will provide space for temporary exhibitions, a publicly accessible café and shop, and a new welcome area for guests.
Beyond the museum itself, the wider grounds will be developed to support community events and additional green space, enhancing the surrounding area of Dundee.
The museum’s vision extends beyond a traditional exhibition venue. The project is being developed as a community-focused initiative, creating spaces that can be used by local groups and partner organisations. This collaborative approach has already been welcomed by community organisations including Stobswell Forum.
Dundee Museum of Transport Grateful for Funding Secured
The project is being supported by a range of funders including the UK Government through the Community Regeneration Partnership, the Scottish Government via the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), as well as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, and the Northwood Charitable Trust, among others. Dundee Museum of Transport and the wider Design and delivery team are grateful to all parties for their commitment in driving this project forward.
Dundee Museum of Transport also held a crowdfunding campaign ‘Restoring Maryfield Depot, Brick by Brick’ which saw them raise just over £34,000 including Gift Aid towards the restoration project. This further demonstrates how important the project is to the local community.
Landmark Project for CHAP Group
February 2026 marked 50 years in business for CHAP. Since its founding in 1976, the Group has grown into one of Scotland’s leading privately owned construction companies, recognised for its long-standing commitment to quality, client service, and delivery excellence. The delivery of the new home for Dundee Museum of Transport at the former Mayfield Tram Depot represents a landmark project for the Group and further strengthens their already well-established base in Dundee.
Collaborative Team Effort
The restoration of the Maryfield Tram Depot will secure the future of one of Dundee’s most significant historic transport buildings while creating a vibrant new cultural and community destination for the city.
The project is a team effort, and CHAP Group, the Client Dundee Museum of Transport and Design Team Consultants look forward to continuing to work collaboratively throughout the construction phase of the project.
CHAP Group will be sharing updates as works on site progress.
Cllr Mark Flynn, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “This is an exciting moment in the journey to deliver the Dundee Museum of Transport at this stunning building. I would like to thank everyone involved in their project for their commitment to create a major attraction for the city which will help to create jobs and boost our economy.”
Paul Jennings, Executive Director, Dundee Museum of Transport said: “We are delighted to be working with CHAP on such an important project both for the museum and the wider community. CHAP's experience will help us deliver the best possible outcome, readying the Maryfield Depot for public use for the first time in its 125 year history, safeguarding it for future generations to enjoy.”
Commenting on the project, Andrew Black, Director at architecture practice Andrew Black Design who are designer, Architect and lead consultant for the project said: “Following many years of design development and fundraising led by the Museum trustees, it is a pleasure to see construction finally begin. Working closely with the main contractor CHAP, the historic tram sheds will now begin their transformation into the Dundee Museum of Transport.”
Paul Matthews, Area Construction Director of CHAP Group added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been appointed as contractor for Dundee’s new Transport Museum. This is a hugely significant and prestigious project that will breathe new life into a historic building while creating a fantastic new attraction for the city. Throughout the build we will prioritise the use of local trades and suppliers, ensuring the project not only restores an important heritage asset but also generates meaningful economic benefits for the local area.”