Also moving into the office block is London-based mobile game development studio, Hutch. The firm specialises in automotive themed games and ranks among the UK’s fastest-growing private technology companies. Its most successful games include Rebel Racing, F1 Clash and Top Drives.

The 29,500 square foot Water’s Edge site is Chroma Developments’ first landmark development and home to Chroma Ventures, 4J Studios, Ace Aquatec, Broker Insights, Predict Mobile, Saturn Fluid Engineering, Stormcloud Games and Puny Astronaut amongst others. The site is also home to modern co-working space, Flux, which offers companies flexible working and is a model that has grown in popularity during the Covid pandemic.

Chroma Developments is part of Chroma Ventures, which was launched earlier this year by Scottish entrepreneurs and founders of 4J Studios, Paddy Burns and Chris van der Kuyl, as a means of consolidating their portfolio of investments. At Water’s Edge, the team brought together creative minds, construction experts and project management expertise to form a business environment that is attracting like-minded start-ups and high-growth tech and digital businesses.

Stewart Clark, managing director of Chroma Developments, said: “There is a wealth of talent in this city for major tech and games employers to draw on and we’re delighted that both Hutch and Hutcheon Mearns have chosen Water’s Edge to expand their operations in Scotland. The growing site has fast become an incubator for great ideas and both companies fit perfectly with our existing innovative community. We are currently planning the second phase of development at Water’s Edge, as well as considering other potential opportunities in Dundee’s dockside and elsewhere.”

Craig Hutcheon, managing director at Hutcheon Mearns, commented: “The innovative facilities available at Water’s Edge, combined with the prime location were key in deciding to base our Dundee presence there as we continue to grow.”

Peter Hansen-Chambers, CFO/CRO at Hutch, added: “We feel the building and location is perfect for Hutch. Although very different to our London office, there are similarities in that the building has a great deal of individual character and represents a link with Dundee’s history. There has clearly been a lot of investment into the area and seeing that alongside the city’s rich heritage is very impressive. Dundee has always had a reputation for fantastic games talent, and that made it very attractive to us as we seek to grow. We’re looking forward to making Water’s Edge our home in Scotland.”

Paddy Burns, principal at Chroma Ventures, said: “Both Hutch and Hutcheon Mearns are working on some really exciting projects and growing at pace. We hope that at Water’s Edge they find the space and inspiration to fuel that work. The abundance of talent in Dundee and the energy in the wider tech ecosystem are making Scotland a greater draw for major digital employers. We believe good energy is contagious and having top class facilities and partners in the city ensures we capitalise on this remarkable opportunity.”