Frosty response for changes to visitor centre proposal

The Courier, 9 February 1999

Amended plans for an £8 million museum and international visitor centre at the western approaches to St Andrews have failed to find favour with members of St Andrews Community Council.

The controversial proposal is due to be discussed today by Fife Council’s East Area Development Committee who previously voted by 7-4 to delay a final decision on the development, which is planned for a greenfleld site owned by St Andrews University at its North Haugh science campus, alongside the main A91 St Andrews to Cupar Road.

According to the latest blueprint for the scheme for a museum, visitor centre, club complex, restaurant, bar and health facilities etc by St Andrews International Ltd - in a partnership with St Andrews University - the developers have agreed to relocate the building further back on the site by three metres and reduce it in height from 17.4 to 13.8 metres.

Its deferral for further discussions between the developers and council planning officials was aimed at reducing the four-storey building by one level.

However, although the developers have said they will cut its overall height, it would still remain a four storey building.

Dr Ian Goudie, vice-chairman of the community council, said, “To move it back three metres is a trivial amendment, while a reduction of 3.6 metres is inadequate.”

Yesterday, however, Jeremy Grieve of St Andrews International Ltd, said, “The guidelines of the area development committee were quite specific in requesting us to reduce the height of the building by the equivalent of one floor. We have complied with this technical issue.”

The aim of the complex is to bring the world of St Andrews - both past and present - to life through interpretation of its golf, academia and heritage. It will create 70 new jobs.

St Andrews University is a key contributor to one of the complex’s primary features, the state-of-the-art museum and exhibition designed to depict its integrated development and that of the town and to celebrate the remarkable impact it has made. Its archive collections will be made public for the first time.

Retail plans for the development will be specifically related to reproduction of the museum pieces and articles found in the university’s exhibition.

Other features are a museum cafe and shop, leisure facilities incorporating a health and fitness club, a “Home of Golf’ lounge, a university Alumnus lounge, a grill and dining area, library and a “Home of Golf’ exhibition.

The project has met with stiff opposition from several local organisations, including the conservation group, St Andrews Preservation Trust.

If the green light is given today, it is proposed to open the complex by the spring.