A peripheral district of Dundee, lying between Downfield to the east and St. Mary's to the north, 2½ miles (4 km) northwest of the city centre, Ardler was developed as a public housing estate between the former Airdlaw Cottages and Americanmuir in a series of phases from 1964. The land had belonged to Downfield Golf Course and was acquired by the city through a land transfer which saw the golf course move to the west. Low-rise maisonettes and deck-access blocks were built to the south, while six high-rise blocks were built to the north. The streets named after notable British golf-clubs.
The area was planned around amenities, including a small shopping centre, library, community centre, Ardler Primary and St. Fergus Roman Catholic Primary schools, and Chalmers Ardler Church. It also features areas of open parkland, including mature trees and ponds. However, the houses were poorly designed, with flat roofs and lacking insulation, which gave rise to resentment and social problems. By the early-1990s, these problems were accentuated by considerable unemployment. Rejuvenation of the area began soon after with a partnership of Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association (SSHA) and Wimpey Homes selected by local residents and Dundee City Council. Much of the original housing was demolished, including all of the high-rise blocks (the last in 2007) and hundreds of new homes built for rent, together with a lesser number of houses for sale.
