Work on town's 'gateway' to start within weeks

The Courier, 12 February 1999

Construction work on an £8 million museum and international visitor centre at the western approaches to St Andrews, given the green light by Fife councillors earlier this week, will begin on the site in the next few weeks, it was announced yesterday.

The company behind the initiative, St Andrews International Ltd, has welcomed the decision by members of the East Area Development Committee to approve the development of the St Andrews Gateway Centre on a greenfield site owned by St Andrews University, at its North Haugh science campus, alongside the main A91 St Andrews to Cupar Road.

Jeremy Grieve, director of the company, said yesterday, “We are delighted by this decision. We are confident of providing a first-class amenity that will reflect the heritage - and mediaeval atmosphere of the town within a high-quality, contemporary building.

“It will serve to bring the world of St Andrews, past and present, to life through interpretation of its three main elements—as the Home of Golf, home to Scotland’s oldest university and foremost centre of academic excellence, and as a town of significant historic and religious interest.”

The university is a key contributor to the museum and exhibition, designed to depict its development and that of the town.

Its archive collections of international repute will be brought into the public domain for the first time using a fascinating mix of modern and traditional techniques.

Mr Grieve said that apart from creating upwards of 70 jobs, the St Andrews Gateway Centre would allow visitors to view artefacts from the university’s priceless museum collection in a state-of-the-art facility.

“In addition, an international members’ club and conference facility will cater for the town’s overseas visitors’ market,” he added.

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 will include 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.

To be constructed on a four-acre site which will transform the entrance to St Andrews, it is intended that the project will be ready in time for the 2000 Open Championship in the town.

Mr Grieve said among other benefits will be a new park-and-ride facility being established as part of the development, and a first-class welcoming point for all visitors to the town.

“It will fulfil many strategic objectives of the local council, the university and the private sector in the town,” added Mr Grieve.

A spokesman for St Andrews University said yesterday, “We welcome the decision by councillors and we are eager to complete our negotiations with the developers so that it can place the matter before the University Court.”