Events at Menzieshill Community Centre, Dundee

About Menzieshill Community Centre

Menzieshill Community Centre (often called the Menzieshill Community Hub) is a modern multi-purpose community venue in Dundee’s Menzieshill neighbourhood. It opened in 2019 as part of an £11 million redevelopment of the area (www.robertson.co.uk), replacing older local facilities. Designed by Holmes Miller architects, the bright two-storey building was intended to “re-energise the heart” of Menzieshill (www.urbanrealm.com). It sits amidst a new masterplan including a primary school and a community garden (www.urbanrealm.com). The centre houses flexible halls, meeting rooms, a library, youth rooms, a café and two full-size sports halls with modern scoreboards and lift-up basketball nets (www.accessable.co.uk) (scape.co.uk). Its contemporary civic architecture (with large windows and meeting spaces) has been praised as welcoming and community-driven (www.urbanrealm.com).

Unlike a fixed-seating theatre or stadium, this centre was built as a community hub linking sports, education and social facilities. For example, it recreates a children’s library that connects to an early-years area, and features an upper-floor café (with views across Dundee) run as a social enterprise to train local youths (www.urbanrealm.com). It also includes generous changing facilities – including fully accessible changing rooms and a large “Changing Places” toilet for visitors with complex needs (www.accessable.co.uk). In short, Menzieshill’s hub is notable as a flagship public centre in a neighbourhood that had lost its communal heart when the old 1960s tower blocks (and their ground-floor hall) were demolished (www.urbanrealm.com). The new centre has restored a focal point for the community, regularly hosting sports events, local classes and cultural gatherings where there used to be nothing but empty land.

Events and Programming

The centre runs a wide variety of activities year-round. It is a key sports venue – its halls support five-a-side (futsal) football, basketball, badminton, netball, volleyball, dance and more (www.activedundee.co.uk). Local youth clubs, school leagues and community teams book the courts regularly. Daily and weekly classes (from toddler play sessions to fitness bootcamps and yoga) are scheduled, often organised by Leisure and Culture Dundee or community partners. For example, an “Active Tots” program for under-5s, group exercise classes, racket sports and holiday activity camps are all part of the regular offer (www.activedundee.co.uk) (www.activedundee.co.uk). After the pandemic, the hub resumed adult-learning courses and community support groups such as adult literacy, debt-advice (“Money Action Centre”) and legal advice sessions as part of its programme (scape.co.uk). A new charity sports club for older fans (“Sporting Memories”) even meets here weekly on Tuesday mornings (www.leisureandculturedundee.com), showing the centre’s role in social and health initiatives.

In addition to classes, Menzieshill Community Centre hosts one-off events. While it’s not a pop music arena, small concerts, tribute performances and theatre nights do happen here. Family and children’s shows are common – for instance a recent “Miss Rachel” sing-along event was held (tickets were around £8 per child, £3.95 per adult (dundeecity.gov.uk)). Local charities often use the halls for fairs, discos or pantomimes. Community traditions continue here too: the annual Menzieshill Burns Supper, for example, is typically staged in the large hall each January (www.urbanrealm.com). Countryside talks, holiday workshops and local health clinics or job-fairs also make use of the multi-function rooms. In short, the venue sees a mix of sports meets, educational classes, children’s entertainment and community social events, reflecting its broad grassroots purpose. Admission prices have typically been modest (child events around £5–£10, many community activities free or low-cost), though a few tickets may edge into the low-teens for special productions.

Tickets and Booking

Menzieshill Community Centre does not operate its own box office counter. Tickets for public events (like shows or talks) are generally sold online through Dundee City Council/Leisure & Culture Dundee’s booking system or partner ticket outlets (dundeecity.gov.uk). Shows typically go on sale weeks before the date – popular family events especially can sell out, so it’s wise to book early. For example, a recent children’s performance announced on the Council’s events page sold tickets via the web (there was no physical box office at the centre) (dundeecity.gov.uk). A small number of tickets might sometimes be available at the door if the event isn’t full, but one shouldn’t count on that for well-attended shows. Day-of event information is best checked with the Community Hub office or local listings.

For private hires (sports teams or group classes) you can call the venue direct. The sports halls and rooms can be booked by groups at standard rates: for instance the sports hall hire is about £50 per hour for adults (around £38 for concessions/young people) (www.activedundee.co.uk). (All prices and booking procedures are usually listed on the Leisure & Culture or Active Dundee website or obtained by phoning 01382 432968.) Always confirm if deposit or membership is required for club bookings. Special community events (like birthday parties or local youth programmes) often have free or low-cost tickets, whereas one-off tribute concerts or theatre shows have set ticket prices listed by the organiser. In general, assume tickets must be booked online or in advance – no credit cards can be swiped at the venue without a manager on duty.

Seating and Layout

The halls inside Menzieshill Community Centre are very flexible spaces rather than fixed-seat auditoriums. Each of the two large sports halls can be arranged in multiple ways. When used for performances or gatherings, portable chairs are typically set out on the flat floor, often facing one end where a temporary stage or speaker setup is created. There are also simple bench seats along the sides for sports events. Because there are no sloped stands or balconies, sightlines can be quite good: sitting towards the middle-front is usually best to avoid side glare and see the stage or court clearly. The centre’s official site notes that the halls come with electronic scoreboards and motorised basketball nets (scape.co.uk) – objects to be mindful of, but they do not block seating areas.

In general, no area is strictly off-limits (it’s not a formal theatre), but some caution is advised. Avoid standing right in front of the scoreboard during athletic games or near any glass door in bright sunlight (to prevent reflection). The body of the hall is open and acoustically lively, since there are hard floors and high ceilings; front seats get the clearest audio at music or speech events. There are no VIP sections or roped-off boxes – every seat is essentially equal. If you need a good vantage, aim for the aisles in the centre or front rows where view isn’t obstructed. If the event is small and held in a side room instead of the main hall, that room will simply have chairs lined up facing the front wall. Generally speaking, plan to place belongings or coats at your seat (there is no formal cloak check) and choose a spot that gives an unobstructed view of the front.

Getting There and Parking

The centre’s official address is 260 Dickson Avenue, Dundee, DD2 4TQ (www.accessable.co.uk). (Some sources still list a Charleston Drive address; the building spans both roads. For GPS, Dickson Avenue is the main address.) It sits near the junction of Dickson Avenue and Charleston Drive in the Menzieshill area (west of Ninewells Hospital and north of Dundee ring road). The postcode DD2 4TQ will bring you to the site via standard navigation apps.

By car there is a free car park immediately outside the building off Dickson Avenue (www.accessable.co.uk). Parking is complimentary for visitors (you take a ticket at the barrier), but limited to a maximum of four hours (www.accessable.co.uk) – enough for most events or classes. The lot has five marked blue-badge (disabled) spaces close to the entrance (www.accessable.co.uk). Leave extra time in the evenings or at weekends as it can fill up, and check the machine for your exit ticket. Note there’s no formal drive-up drop-off loop; however, you can pull up briefly by the entrance doors for passengers with mobility needs. The route from car park to the front entrance is mostly level and includes only a gentle ramp (with handrail) (www.accessable.co.uk).

Several bus routes serve Menzieshill. Xplore Dundee’s Ø5S and Xplore 17 buses both run along Charleston Drive just outside the centre (bustimes.org). The nearest stop is “Menzieshill, opposite Tweed Crescent” on Charleston Drive. These link to Dundee city centre and nearby suburbs (for example, Xplore’s Dundee–Menzieshill route takes only ~10 minutes from Hunter Street in town (www.rome2rio.com)). Other local services (Stagecoach 5E/36 or Moffat routes 30, 31, 51) also reach nearby stops. The simplest way to check is via the Stagecoach or Xplore website for “Menzieshill” stops. For example, Rome2Rio travel planners note a roughly 10-minute journey by bus from Dundee centre (Hunter Street) to the hub (www.rome2rio.com). By taxi or rideshare, the trip from central Dundee is typically 10–15 minutes. (Note: Dundee railway station is about 4 miles away; a taxi from there is around 10-15 minutes.)

Inside the Venue

On entering the building you’ll be greeted by a staffed reception desk just inside the doors. (The Reception counter is low-height to help wheelchair users (www.accessable.co.uk).) Staff at the desk can check tickets, direct you to rooms or the halls, and answer questions. Security is minimal and friendly – you might see a quick bag check if there’s an event, but it’s not a tight high-security venue. The interior has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Hallways lead to the sports halls, multi-purpose rooms, library and changing facilities; they are brightly lit and usually quiet. According to the venue’s accessibility guide, no background music is played in corridors or the café (www.accessable.co.uk) (so it’s easier for people with sensory concerns). The main sports halls themselves can have lively sounds during games or classes, so front-row seating is often preferable for clear audio. Lifts and ramps connect all floors – everything is step-free beyond the small entrance ramp – making it easy for strollers or wheelchairs to move around.

Facilities inside include men’s, ladies’ and family toilets on each floor. As noted earlier, an accessible Changing　Places toilet is provided for people who need more space and equipment (www.accessable.co.uk). Baby-changing units are available in the women’s and family lavatories. The layout is straightforward: for example, on the ground floor the main shared toilets stand in the front corridor near the halls entrance (www.accessable.co.uk). If you’re at an event, clear signage will show the way to bathrooms. There is no formal cloakroom or locker facility, so large coats should be kept with you.

The centre’s café and library are on the first floor. The café has seating and a counter serving basic hot drinks, snacks and sandwiches during opening hours. It’s run by the community hub as a social enterprise – partly to train young people with learning disabilities – and offers pleasant views of the Tayside countryside (www.urbanrealm.com). (It’s a nice place to warm up or grab a bite before a show.) The library offers public computers and a quiet reading area. Wi-Fi access is usually provided via the library system. At bigger events, visiting vendors might set up kiosk tables in the foyer (for tickets or merchandise), but there is no permanent merch booth – most events sell merchandise at the main hall entrance if applicable. In short, expect a well-kept, multi-use space inside, with refreshments, restrooms and seating easily available.

Nearby Amenities

Immediately around the Centre there are only a few local shops and takeaways. The Charleston Drive shopping parade (a short walk away) has a convenience store (including a Morrisons Daily) and a couple of cafés/snack bars. For a proper sit-down meal before a show, you’d typically need to drive or take a bus. The West End of Dundee (especially around Ninewells or the University area, 2–3 miles east) has the nearest larger selection of pubs and restaurants. Many people prefer to dine in the city centre (about 4 miles away) or grab food in Ninewells Hospital cafe before heading to the event.

Accommodation: there are no hotels in Menzieshill itself. If you need to stay overnight, hotels are primarily found in central Dundee or near the waterfront (4–5 miles east) such as the Clarendon Hotel or Courtyard by Marriott. Both of these (and others) are reachable by taxi or a short bus ride. (The Clarendon, for example, is only about 15 minutes by taxi from the community centre.) Late-night transport from the venue back to the city can be limited: regular buses from Menzieshill stop running around 9–10pm on weekdays (later on Fridays/Saturdays). Plan for a taxi or rideshare if you are leaving after 10pm, especially on weeknights.

Insider tip: If you’re attending a midday or afternoon event, the centre’s café or nearby shops can handle basic snacking; if it’s an evening show, consider eating in Dundee – the drive is quick via the A912. Aim to arrive about 15–20 minutes before start time so you can park (or get off the bus), locate the right hall, and get settled without rush.

What Makes This Venue Special

Menzieshill Community Centre’s strength is its community focus. It was born out of local consultation and regeneration plans, and as such it has a local “feel” not found in commercial arenas. Its mixed-use design (combining library, cafe, youth and sports spaces) reflects the way residents in Menzieshill actually live. The building won attention for its inclusive design: for example, it integrates a public garden space and a children’s library linked to a new school (www.urbanrealm.com) (www.urbanrealm.com). The upstairs cafe acting as a social enterprise is another example of the centre’s ethos, training local young people with learning differences (www.urbanrealm.com). As one architecture review put it, the spaces within are “vibrant” and creative, giving residents confidence that “the community heart has been returned” to this neighbourhood (www.urbanrealm.com).

On a personal level, locals appreciate that the centre respects Menzieshill’s heritage. For decades the area’s product towers were landmarks, and the original community hall was part of that legacy (www.urbanrealm.com). When the towers were pulled down, the remaining hall sat on unused land until this project. The new centre is now the focal point once again: it hosts old traditions like the local Burns Supper (keeping Robert Burns celebrations alive) (www.urbanrealm.com), and new gatherings from parents-and-toddlers sessions to senior exercise classes. It has replaced the “lost” community amenity with a modern space that artists, performers and sports teams alike can rely on. Many small local bands, dance troupes and youth theatre groups enjoy performing here precisely because it’s a friendly, affordable space where the audience is supportive.

In summary, Menzieshill’s venue matters because it’s truly built for the community rather than for profit. Its architecture and facilities were shaped by local needs, and that shows in everything from the generous accessible toilets to the kids’ library corner and the view-topped cafe. Both regulars and visitors say they love its bright, clean atmosphere and the way events feel like a neighbourhood party. All in all, it’s special as a social hub: a new, versatile building carrying on the legacy of community gatherings in Menzieshill.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The venue is fully wheelchair-accessible. The main entrance is step-free (there’s a short ramp to the lobby) and the double doors open automatically (www.accessable.co.uk). Inside, wide corridors and an elevator connect both floors. There are ample blue-badge parking bays right up front (www.accessable.co.uk). Accessible toilets (including a Changing Places room) and low-counter reception are provided (www.accessable.co.uk) (www.accessable.co.uk). In terms of assistance, trained staff are normally on hand during events. Parents – note there are baby-changing stations in the restrooms. Service dogs are welcome (the building is barrier-free once inside).

Arrival: Plan to come at least 15–20 minutes before your event starts (25–30 minutes for a big performance). This allows time to find the car park, use the restroom, get a drink or find seats. If you arrive much earlier, the lounge areas or café are usually a quiet place to wait. After parking, follow signs or staff directions to your hall or room. Show your e-ticket or booking confirmation (often on your phone) at the door – the desk staff may ask to scan it. For sports or classes, check in at the Duty Manager’s desk with your booking name.

What to Bring (and Not): Bring any ticket confirmations or booking references you received. Carry a reusable bottle if you like (water fountains or café available). Wear comfortable clothing: casual or sportswear is totally fine. For sports sessions, trainers and gym gear are required. Dress warmly if it’s winter, as the halls can feel chilly before activities start (but they heat up when busy). Missing items: There is no cloakroom, so keep valuables on you or in your bag. Large bags or flags are not needed; park them out of the way. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the building (and Scottish law bans smoking on all public premises). Photography is generally informal – snapshots are okay unless a sign or announcer requests no flash. Always follow any instructions from staff about safety or prohibited items (e.g. certain props at a show).

Avoid These Mistakes: Don’t assume parking is unlimited; remember the 4-hour ticket system (www.accessable.co.uk). Don’t arrive only a minute early, as the final stretch of Dickson Avenue can get busy. If arriving by bus, check the latest timetable – the last weekday buses stop around 9–10pm. During crowded events, avoid blocking the hallway or exits with kids’ strollers or gear. (They can be parked at the wall to the side of the seating area.) At concerts, headphones won’t be provided, so consider earplugs if you’re sensitive. Finally, respect any age guidance on tickets – most events are all-ages but a fitness class or evening workshop might be 16+ friendly only.

During Your Visit: When the event is in session, listen for announcements over the PA (usually at the front of the hall). It’s fine to use phones at low volume in common areas, but silence them during performances. Free Wi-Fi may be available via Dundee City Council’s library network if you’re in the library area, but in the halls you’re on your own data. Otherwise, enjoy the relaxed vibe – carriers often bring their own snacks. If you need help, any staff member (usually wearing a nametag) can assist with directions or first aid. If you’re late, check in at reception quietly – even if the doors are closed, staff can let you in once it's safe. And don’t forget to thank the local team – this is a community-run venue, so a little courtesy goes a long way to keeping events friendly!

Frequently Asked Questions