BLOG: Building a More Water‑Resilient Dundee

“It’s a smarter, more sustainable approach that works with the environment rather than against it. ”

Dom McBennett
Scottish Water Catchment Planner

Union Street is at the heart of Dundee, and it’s now undergoing a major transformation to create a safer, healthier and more welcoming place for everyone who lives, works and visits the area. This ambitious redevelopment forms part of Dundee’s wider plans to modernise its streets, enhance public spaces and prepare the city for a changing climate. 

The improvements go well beyond new surfaces and layouts. Enhanced active travel routes, upgraded public spaces and carefully considered street design have all been shaped through extensive community co‑design. Just as importantly, much of the work happening on Union Street focuses on something less visible, but absolutely vital: how the street manages rainwater. 

Adapting to a wetter climate 

Like many cities across Scotland, Dundee is experiencing heavier and more frequent rainfall. Traditional combined sewer systems, which carry both wastewater and rainwater, were never designed for the volumes of water we see today. During intense rainfall, these systems can come under pressure, increasing the risk of flooding and pollution from overflow events. 

Through the Water Resilient Dundee partnership, we are working together with Dundee City Council and others, to rethink how surface water is managed across the city. The aim is simple but powerful: reduce the amount of rainwater entering combined sewers and manage it more naturally at the surface. 

Managing rainwater where it falls 

On Union Street, this means moving away from the traditional approach of quickly piping rainwater underground. Instead, new drainage systems are being designed to capture, slow and manage rainfall above ground. These so‑called ‘blue‑green’ features mimic natural processes, helping water soak in, flow more slowly and be stored safely during heavy rain. 

By managing surface water in this way, we can significantly reduce flood risk, improve local drainage and free up vital capacity in the sewer network for essential wastewater flows. It’s a smarter, more sustainable approach that works with the environment rather than against it. 

As Councillor Steven Rome, Dundee City Council convener of City Growth and Infrastructure, said: "The transformation of Union Street is an important step in the journey to improve the city centre to attract Dundonians and day visitors alike.  

"This project also represents a great opportunity to install new drainage systems which will help to future-proof that area against the impact of climate change going forward." 

Protecting rivers and future‑proofing the city 

Disconnecting rainwater from the combined sewer system brings wider benefits too. Less surface water in sewers means fewer overflow events, helping to reduce pollution and protect the quality of the River Tay. These interventions also support Dundee’s climate‑adaptation ambitions, making the city better prepared for the impacts of climate change in the decades ahead. 

Union Street is just one part of a growing network of sustainable drainage and blue‑green infrastructure being delivered across Dundee. Together, these projects are helping to create greener, more resilient neighbourhoods while supporting a cleaner environment for everyone. 

As a catchment planner, it’s encouraging to see how thoughtful street design and collaborative working can deliver benefits that last far beyond a single project. The changes on Union Street show how we can reimagine our urban spaces to better manage water, protect our rivers and build a more resilient future for generations to come.