Rumour links students to centre

The Courier, 21 February 2001

Prince William, who is due to begin his studies at St Andrews University this year, could be among the first undergraduates to sample student life in a lavish new multi-million pound Students’ Union building in the town.

Speculation was mounting yesterday that the Students’ Association at the university is among parties interested in securing the St Andrews Gateway Centre development on the western approaches to the town as its new headquarters.

Now on the open market at a fraction of its £9.4 million development costs after going into receivership last year - before even opening its doors - the centre would have offered around 60 new jobs.

Now available at a knockdown price of offers over £2.5 million, the imposing complex is understood to have attracted interest from at least four groups - a mix of UK and international companies - at least one with golfing connections.

Edinburgh-based selling agents Chestertons and receivers Grant Thornton revealed they have been in talks with interested parties and received a number of offers. Viewings have taken place and the agents are optimistic a deal can be struck within weeks. The student body is among those believed to have expressed an interest and it is understood student leaders held discussions with university authorities to obtain its view.

The current Students’ Union multi-storey building caters for the 5500 student population and includes a theatre which doubles as a disco and function hail, bars, dining facilities, offices and meeting rooms.

However, its town centre location has resulted in ongoing complaints from residents.

Last year the union bar lost its late-night drinks licence after police claimed that much of the trouble and vandalism in the town centre was caused during term-time. The association has since had the licence returned by councillors.

Earlier this month the association lodged plans with Fife Council for outline planning permission to extend the building, including a function hall and bar, but earlier similar proposals ran into local opposition.

The multi-storey St Andrews Gateway Centre on the edge of the town is being viewed by many as an ideal replacement or the current union building on its prime town centre site in St Mary’s Place. The latter would be sold to raise cash.

But student leaders remained tight-lipped yesterday, declining to confirm any interest in the property. A spokesman for the university was also unable to comment, but also made it clear any such move would have to be considered by its governing body, the University Court.

The Gateway complex was developed by St Andrews International Ltd and was intended to be the home of the five-star St Andrews Golfing Society.

However, the complex ran into financial trouble due to the failure of its overseas membership drive, with less than £50,000 of subscriptions pledged against a target £1.5 million.

The major single casualty was secured creditor Lloyds TSB Scotland, which is due £5 million, and unsecured creditors are believed to be out of pocket to the tune of almost £3 million.

St Andrews University was to play a key role in the new centre - although it had no financial input - with the university's museums collection to be put on show in the building.

The land is still owned by the university.