Gateway Centre attracts interest

The Courier, 3 August 2000

Interest has been expressed from both the UK and abroad in the spectacular £9 million Gateway Centre currently standing empty and unused at the western entrance to St Andrews.

This was revealed yesterday by Chesterton International Property Consultants, which has been appointed by Edinburgh-based receivers Grant Thornton to market the property.

The lavishly finished and equipped building was to be the home of the St Andrews Golfing Society and of a prestigious museum and first port of call for St Andrews University.

But St Andrews Golfing Society ran into severe problems with its fund-raising membership drive in the USA. In spite of early denials that there were financial difficulties, deadlines for completion passed, the situation did not improve and the receivers were called in early last month.

A few of the 60 staff were retained to carry out some administrative work and Grant Thornton set about the task of finding a buyer.

They decided to sell it on as “unused and unblemished” by showcasing it during the Open in July.

It has been made clear by the receivers that “sensible offers” are being sought for the building, which has four bars, restaurants, a health and fitness club and extensive exhibition, conference and function facilities.

Yesterday Brian Gilmour of Chesterton said that there had been a “very good response.”

He said that a number of people had already viewed the property, including businesses from the UK, Europe and America. There had been inquiries from hoteliers and operators of restaurants and health and leisure clubs.

Mr Gilmour said his firm expected to have a better idea by the end of the week about who would be taking the matter further.