Abertay University has appointed the project team who will be responsible for creating the UK’s first centre of excellence in computer games education.

The University secured £3 million of investment from the Scottish Government earlier this year to establish the centre of excellence, based on its world-leading courses in computer games technology and computer arts.

Detailed designs for the works are nearing completion, and main contractors Stewart Milne Construction will be moving on-site next month (June) to begin construction. The works will convert a central area of Abertay’s main campus into new state-of-the-art teaching and learning space to accommodate two new postgraduate masters degree courses.

These programmes will be based on Abertay’s BAFTA-endorsed “Dare to be Digital” model with 40 graduate students housed in a purpose-designed, professional environment during each 12-month course.

The project also involves putting a new exterior façade onto the main west face of the University’s Kydd Building.

Stewart Milne Construction previously built Abertay’s highly-praised “White Space”, a multi-purpose teaching, learning and business centre where undergraduate students in computer arts and computer games study and work alongside digital media practitioners and business people in a near-real-world environment. The company also completed Abertay’s new Student Centre in 2005.

They are working alongside architects Archial (Dundee), formerly known as Parr Architects, who were responsible for designing Abertay’s Library and Student Centre, together with project managers Gardiner & Theobald LLP, quantity surveyors Christie and Partners, structural engineers Millard Consulting, mechanical and electrical engineers Hulley & Kirkwood, and health and safety coordinators Christie & Partners.

The internal works to create the studio and learning space are scheduled for completion around the start of the new academic year in the autumn, and the new façade will be completed by Christmas.