KENGO Kuma, the Japanese architect who designed the £80 million V&A Dundee museum, has praised construction workers as he visited the finished building for the first time.

The designer met workers yesterday as the focus at the site moves to the building’s interior, fitting out gallery spaces, the cafe and restaurant ahead of its opening in September.

This is Kuma’s first project on these shores and was said to be inspired by the cliffs along the east coast of Scotland.

The architect, who is also designing the National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, said: “I am delighted to return to Dundee and see the completed construction of V&A Dundee.

“Today I am pleased to meet with some of the people who have brought our design to life, and to give my thanks for their hard work in creating this complex structure. I love the Scottish landscape and this very beautiful country, and I am proud to be working on this project which will attract people to Dundee from all over the world.”

The museum’s opening exhibition Ocean Liners: Speed & Style will “re-imagine the golden age of ocean travel”. It will also feature Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s restored Oak Room at its centre.

Construction started in 2015 and more than 1500 people have worked on it. V&A Dundee director, Philip Long, said: “Kengo Kuma’s design, which beautifully links the city and the River Tay, is already attracting global interest.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked on this project with its remarkable construction and engineering, including BAM Construct UK, Arup, Turner & Townsend and many, many others. Dundee is an exciting, creative city with an incredible history of design innovation. I am proud that our museum can be part of the ongoing regeneration of the city, attracting investment and creating new jobs.”

John Alexander, Dundee City Council’s leader, added: “Our city is at the centre of unprecedented global attention as anticipation mounts ahead of the September opening.

“This demonstrates the transformational impact the museum is already having.”