Gateway building back in spotlight

Michael Alexander, The Courier, 18 June 2003

The future of the Gateway building at the western entrance to St Andrews which has stood empty since its completion three years ago has again been thrust into the spotlight.

The Kingdom of Fife Tourist Board has expressed a “general willingness” to be at the forefront of developing an “orientation centre” on the ground floor of the recently sold building which could provide information for visitors to the town.

But members have ordered that a full feasibility study be carried out before any financial or other commitment is made.

The issue was raised at the latest tourist board meeting in Lundin Links when members were told by the St Andrews Vision Group - a task group representing a range of St Andrews organisations - that the university and Links Trust were among those keen for the venture to go ahead.

The group felt, however, that the tourist board should now “take the lead” and speak directly with the developers to move the discussion forward.

Board chief executive Patrick Laughlin said discussions had been taking place and he had hoped to bring forward a report by now on what the tourist board’s involvement might be. He saw the advantages of having a Gateway orientation centre for visitors to St Andrews which would also benefit the rest of Fife.

He said it would be about more than just golf. But, expressing caution, he said the unanswered question kept arising of how much it might cost.

Board member and west Fife councillor Tony Martin said it was clear the board supported the concept but that it was important they did not become liable for the full building.

He added, “This is a failed private sector initiative and the board has to be careful how it takes this forward. A lot of tailoring needs to be done.”

Board chairman Robin Shedden offered assurances that money would not be spent until after a full feasibility study. There was no commitment at this stage but interested parties would continue working together to see what could be delivered.

It was revealed 16 months ago, after it had stood empty for almost two years, that the Gateway property, built at a cost of over £9 million for a failed golfing venture, had been acquired by Dundee-based Keiller Estates Ltd for use by new consortium St Andrews Golf Holdings.

Keller, which obtained the property after it was offered at a knockdown price, announced then that plans included a conference centre, call centre, business centre and club.

It was also emphasised that a planned museum and prestigious port of call for the University of St Andrews would still feature, and that the chance existed for the creation of an “orientation centre” which could provide information for visitors.

St Andrews Golf Holdings said then that the venture, which would create 50 jobs, should be up and running by last July.

Yesterday The Courier made contact with consortium spokesman Mr Anthony Fry who confirmed that none of these proposals were yet in place. He declined to make any further comment but suggested “progress might be made in the next fortnight”.

A spokesman for the University of St Andrews said that any involvement by the Kingdom of Fife Tourist Board in an orientation centre would be welcomed.

No one from Keiller Estates Ltd was available for comment.