Dundee's V&A museum given planning permission

The £45m project is set to transform Dundee's waterfront area

The first V&A museum to be constructed outside London has been given approval by planners.

The £45m project was granted planning permission by the city council's development management committee.

It is set to transform Dundee's waterfront area.

Project bosses said construction of the Kengo Kuma-designed museum was likely to start next summer, with the main fabric of the building in place by the end of 2015.

Philip Long, director of V&A at Dundee, said: "I am delighted by the approval, which now allows us to move V&A at Dundee further towards realisation.

"Kengo Kuma's fabulous design will give Dundee and Scotland a wonderful space to enjoy outstanding international exhibitions, and to learn about and get involved with Scotland's remarkable history of design creativity.

"I believe it will attract visitors from across the world."

Tender notices will soon be issued, to allow interested companies to begin bidding to construct what is intended to be an international centre of design.

Work has already begun on the temporary infilling of Craig Harbour, aimed at creating a platform to carry out work on part of the building.

The demolition of the former Olympia swimming pool, set to take 40 weeks, is scheduled to begin in September.

Mike Galloway, director of city development at Dundee City Council, said: "Securing planning permission and the subsequent publication of the tender documents takes us closer towards constructing a world-class building that will have an international impact.

"V&A at Dundee will be a huge asset for the city as a focal point in the transformation of the whole waterfront area."