What was once an empty bowling pavilion within the cherry-blossom-lined Dawson Park in Broughty Ferry is now set to be transformed into a vibrant community café and hub. This project is led by the local charity, Giving Back, with the collective efforts of local charities, designers, and engineering professionals. The project aims to repurpose the site into the Sakura café and hub. This will be a multi-use community space designed to encourage social engagement and boost youth employment opportunities in the Broughty Ferry area of Dundee.

The initiative is being developed in collaboration with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), Nicoll Russell Studios, and Fairhurst, and funding so far has been received from NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, MVV Sponsorship and Northwood Charitable Trust, as well as via various fundraising events supported by the local community.  In addition, Starter Packs have provided numerous donations and free storage facilities. Construction is hoped to begin in 2025, with design and planning support currently underway.

At the heart of the project is a vision for community regeneration. The Sakura café & hub will not only serve as a welcoming venue for residents but will also operate as a platform for job creation, particularly for young people in the area. It is set to empower the next generation while strengthening local ties.

Our engineers based in Dundee are contributing to the project by delivering civil and structural engineering expertise, including inspections, full design, and SER certification of the structural elements required to bring the architectural vision of Nicoll Russell Studios and Giving Back to life.

“Fairhurst has played a significant part in designing, reshaping and maintaining the Dundee skyline and coastline over our 120-year history,” said Andrew Kram, Partner at Fairhurst. “While the concrete, steel and timber structures we design are the fabric of the city, the people are its beating heart. Through this project, we are proud to support the employment of young people and to give back to a community that never ceases to give back.”

Fairhurst has long supported youth engagement in engineering through graduate apprenticeships and student placements in partnership with Abertay and Dundee universities. The Sakura café & hub project is a natural extension of this ethos — giving young people real-world opportunities while investing in a sustainable and inclusive future for Dundee.

Fiona Gilmore, Sakura & Youth Employability Manager from Giving Back added:

“We are thrilled to be working with Fairhurst on the Sakura café & hub project. Their commitment and expertise are well-known throughout Dundee.  We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses such as Fairhurst, as well as the wider community, who have supported us on this journey so far and look forward to welcoming everyone to the café and hub when it finally opens.  Please look out for updates on the renovation works and the opening date on their website.

As the project moves toward its construction phase, the team welcomes further community engagement and support. To learn more about the initiative, explore ways to get involved, or help with donations, please visit Giving Back Dundee’s website.

Fairhurst is proud to play a part in creating a more connected and supported future for Dundee.

We hope to see you at the Sakura Café upon its completion!

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