Plans for new flexible office space in Dundee built from shipping containers, for launching computer games and creative start-up companies, have been warmly welcomed by the University of Abertay Dundee.

‘District 10’ is a proposed development in Seabraes Yard, using virtually new shipping containers to build attractive, low-cost buildings premises designed specifically for establishing new businesses in a community environment with flexible rental agreements.

The plans received planning approval earlier this week. In the first phase, the project would have 18 workspaces in one building, with the potential for a further eight buildings to be constructed later.

Paul Durrant, Director of Business Development at Abertay University, said:

“The planning approval for this project is a great step forward, and we look forward to Scottish Enterprise bringing this fantastic vision to life.

“The computer games and creative industries are very exciting, and small teams can now successfully launch iPhone or Facebook games, build social networking apps, create animated viral adverts, and design products. The opportunities are endless.

“But the big challenge is finding the space to develop a business, without the huge financial commitment of a long-term property lease. District 10 would really help more start-up companies to grow in Dundee.

“It would also build on initiatives like the Abertay Prototype Fund, where small companies receive an initial £25,000 investment and temporary working space in the university. Having flexible office space for the companies we fund to graduate into would be a very exciting next step for Dundee.”

The building would have communal meeting rooms, break-out areas, showers and toilets.

Abertay University, Dundee College and NESTA all backed the proposals, which form part of the wider plans for the Dundee Waterfront redevelopment.