Dundee City Council is preparing to splash more than £20 million of taxpayers’ money on building a new luxury hotel at the Waterfront’s controversial Site 6.
The proposed development, located over the road from the V&A Museum, will be run by Marriott Hotels under its AC brand, the first of its kind in Scotland.
The council has set aside £20.635m to progress the project, under its 2019-2024 capital plan.
The figure dwarfs the £6m invested by the council into Kengo Kuma’s £80m flagship V&A building.
Facilities at the 150- bedroom development – which will be built between the controversial office block currently under construction and Slessor Gardens – will include a restaurant and bar, conference facilities and a gym.
It will create about 120 full-time equivalent posts plus a further 260 construction jobs during the building work.
Councillor Lynne Short, convener of city development, said: “This investment in the hotel at the Waterfront signifies the ongoing progress of the project.
“The new hotel is the next part of the jigsaw of the £1 billion investment in the area and is the council’s commitment to that investment.”
Council leader Councillor John Alexander said: “Our investment in construction projects across Dundee provide jobs and stimulates the economy while assisting in our drive to make Dundee a smarter and fairer city for all.”
The development of Site 6 has been mired in controversy, due largely to the six-storey block currently being built by construction firm Robertson.
The building has been branded ugly by residents, as well as BBC arts editor Will Gompertz and Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde.
It was also the subject of an online petition opposing the development, which attracted more than 5,000 signatures.