A major milestone has been reached on the £80.11 million V&A Museum of Design project in Dundee.

A topping-out ceremony has taken place to mark the highest point of construction of the scheme, which is on schedule to open in 2018.

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the multi-million pound development is being built by BAM Construction along Dundee waterfront.

Since construction started in April 2015, key milestones achieved include the completion of a coffer dam which enabled the foundation construction for the part of the building that will sit out over the Tay, groundworks on the former reclaimed dock site, piling for the ground source heating system and remodelling of the river wall.

In addition, core inner walls, stairwell and lift cores and the outer double curvature walls of the building have all now been developed.

This year, following the removal of formwork, pre-cast panels will be installed to the exterior walls to give the building its unique slatted, multi-layered appearance. The panels, weighing up to 3,000kg each, will create the appearance of a cliff face, realising architect Kengo Kuma's vision inspired by the coastline of north eastern Scotland.

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Key funders of the project include the Scottish Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dundee City Council, the UK Government and Creative Scotland.

Cllr Ken Guild said: "This is a significant and exciting development in the construction of this fantastic building, which has already made an impact on the skyline of the city beside the River Tay. 

"The aspirational V&A Dundee project is designed to provide the city and Scotland with a world-class museum, which will help to provide jobs and wider economic benefits. 

"We are seeing something truly unique coming to fruition and I am delighted that Dundee young people are here to witness a very special moment in this project."

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: "Today's topping out ceremony marks an important achievement for V & A Dundee, and a key milestone towards achieving Dundee's ambitions for the city as well as Scottish culture and tourism.

"The Scottish Government has been a long-time supporter of the project, recognising the significant economic contribution that this signature building can bring to the regeneration of Dundee's waterfront, giving the city and Scotland a world-class design museum and visitor attraction."

Malcolm Boyd, BAM's Construction Manager, added: "Every phase of this unique, challenging project is exciting. The BAM team continues to make good progress on construction and, along with Dundee City Council and V&A Dundee, takes great pride in building this cultural landmark for the future in Dundee."

(LM)