People across Dundee are being invited to become part of Union Street's future by donating a small keepsake, memento or trinket to be embedded within a permanent artwork for the final stage of the Union Street Transformation Project.
The project is collecting items from members of the public to be embedded within specially created terrazzo tiles that will form part of the renewed Union Street. Each contribution, whether a small memento, token, charm, badge, key, piece of jewellery, or other object of personal significance, will become a permanent part of Union Street for years to come.
The call is open to anyone with a connection to the street, including current and former residents, business owners and employees, students, shoppers and visitors who have memories linked to Union Street. People have until 8pm on Friday 21 August 2026 to submit their objects.
As well as the donated trinkets, the tiles will incorporate materials recovered during the street's transformation, including aggregate created using elements uncovered during excavation works. This includes sections of historic tram lines discovered beneath the road surface, connecting the street's past with its future.
Annie Marrs, Lead Officer, UNESCO City of Design Dundee said:
‘The newly pedestrianised Union Street is the result of a co-design project where the ideas and needs of businesses, residents and those visiting the street have been central to the design developed by our designers Gary Kennedy and Linsey McIntosh.
Because of this approach, we're now inviting people to embed a small part of their own story into the street itself. These objects may be tiny, but together they will help tell a much bigger story about Dundee and the communities connected to Union Street in the past, present and future.’
Dundee City Council leader Cllr Mark Flynn said:
"I am pleased to see the progress that is already being made at Union Street to provide an attractive pedestrianised space for visitors and locals alike.”
"This shows how we are taking action to help tackle the challenges faced by retail and hospitality businesses in our city centre through our long-term City Centre Strategic Investment Plan.
"The tile project is an imaginative way to get people involved in telling the story of the street through the years as part of a significant transformation for its future. I would encourage anyone with an object to donate to get in touch with the UNESCO City of Design team."
How to submit your object
Objects can be brought to the UNESCO City of Design Dundee offices on the 2nd Floor of Central Library, The Wellgate and dropped off at the Union Street cart.
The public will be asked to attach a label to the trinket and share: your name, what the object is and why it is important to you. If they leave their contact details the team will get in touch with everyone with updates on the project.
Objects must be made of the following materials:
- Metals (these must be Non-ferrous such as copper, gold, silver, tin, or aluminium (non-iron based metals)
- Glass
- Ceramics
- Stone
Examples include keys, cutlery, ring pulls, jewellery, screws and other small objects.
Please note:
- Donated objects will become a permanent part of the artwork and will not be returned
- Objects will be polished as part of the terrazzo-making process and may not remain fully recognisable
- Any items unsuitable for use will be returned where possible
The closing date for submissions is 8pm on Friday 21 August, 2026.
