A gin distillery has been granted permission to open a new visitor centre, shop and craft spirits school.

Verdant Spirits will transform the admin space at its complex on Forest Park Place into the attraction.

It is expected that the centre will create new jobs for locals and bring more visitors to the area.

Built in 1895, the premises at the Edward Street Mill will be transformed from its current A-listed engine house to a retail space and house the spirits school. It will also be used for distillery tours.

The visitor centre will highlight the history and heritage of the site by featuring family portraits and artefacts of the Sharp family, who constructed the engine house itself, and the original owner of the mill.

Managing director Andrew Mackenzie said he was “absolutely delighted” that the application had been approved – adding that he hoped the visitor centre will open in the next few months.

Mr Mackenzie, former marketing director of McLaren F1, was the brains behind the F1 team’s brand from 1990 until 2000 when he switched from a life on the road to a quieter existence in Tayside.

© Supplied

He said: “It means that we can become another landmark in Dundee for visitors and tourists.

“We are looking forward to getting it open as soon as we can. It would be lovely to get it open in time for the V&A opening.”

The application statement for the venture said: “As well as tours of the distillery, there has already been considerable interest shown in the craft spirits school and courses which are expected to attract a further 1,000 visitors a year.

“It will bring income and jobs to the area and substantially enhance the visitor experience for Dundee as well as improve local amenities.

“As well as reintroducing a creative energy to the area, our business is saving a listed building and breathing life back into this charming old mill.”

A transportation impact statement submitted with the application said there would be four organised tours of the distillery a day, with no more than 15 people on each tour.

The application has been approved subject to conditions that the details of the proposed finishing materials for the balcony be submitted to the council in writing and that the visitor centre will not be used for any other purpose.

Verdant Spirits launched its first dry gin – which is produced in the mill – early last year.