Taybank Works was the last operational jute mill in Dundee, located on the city’s Arbroath Road. It stood as a powerful reminder of the jute industry that Dundee once had.  

Built in 1873 by the Pearce Brothers, the mill became a central player in Dundee’s role as the global hub of the jute trade. Its story spans over a century of change, from its origins as a bustling spinning mill to its eventual decline, reflecting Dundee’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a modern, diverse city. 

Taybank Works originally began life as Lilybank Works in the 1840s, part of a broader industrial complex run by Stark & Geddes. The site initially housed loom shops, drying lofts, and power looms, contributing to the growing jute industry in Dundee.  

In 1949, a larger spinning mill was constructed, featuring distinct architectural elements such as faience cladding, portholes, and a corner entrance lobby. This larger structure would later become a defining feature of Taybank Works. 

In the aftermath of World War II, the mill’s name was changed from Lilybank to Taybank, reflecting the broader industrial shifts occurring in Dundee at the time. The name change signified a new chapter for the mill, which continued to play a vital role in the city’s economy, tied closely to the production of jute and jute products. Taybank Works quickly became one of the cornerstones of Dundee’s industrial heritage. 

For generations, the workers of Taybank, like those in the city’s other mills, were the lifeblood of Dundee’s economy. Their labour powered the jute industry and gave Dundee its identity as a global industrial powerhouse.  

The mill’s continued presence, even after the decline of the jute industry, reminded the city of its rich industrial history and the resilience of its workforce. 

By 1999, Taybank Works closed its doors as the last jute spinning mill in the UK. This marked the end of Dundee’s century-long dominance in jute production.  

Over the decades, global competition, technological advancements, and shifting economic landscapes led to the decline of the industry.  

But Taybank Works, though no longer active as a mill, remained a symbol of Dundee’s past—a relic of the hard work and determination that defined the city during its industrial heyday. 

Although the mill was proposed to be converted into housing after receiving the green light in 2019, no action has been taken to realise this plan. The delay in redevelopment reflects the challenges and complexities involved in repurposing historical industrial sites. 

Today, Taybank Works stands as a dual symbol of Dundee’s past and future. The mill’s transformation into housing, if eventually realised, would preserve much of its historical character, ensuring that the building retains its distinctive architectural features while adapting to a new purpose. 

In the end, whether as a mill or as housing, Taybank Works will always be a symbol of Dundee’s resilience and industrial heritage.  

The building will continue to remind us of the city’s past, while looking forward to its future. Its story, like the story of Dundee itself, is one of adaptation and transformation – a city that honours its roots even as it embraces change.