Hamilton Hall: call for action

The Courier, 10 October 2008

The decline in the condition of Hamilton Hall, one of the iconic buildings of St Andrews, and known worldwide as the backdrop to countless thrilling golf championships, has been branded as "scandalous."

Townspeople and local councillors are calling for the Scottish Government to intervene amid claims the American owners have "betrayed" St Andrews.

Provost Frances Melville, one of four councillors serving the town, yesterday revealed she has raised her concerns with local authority chief executive Ronnie Hinds and Stuart Nichol, executive director of environment and development.

Councillor Robin Waterston said local people were angry and claimed that the potential longer term impact on the international reputation of St Andrews could be "very serious," while MSP Ted Brocklebank has urged the US owners to sell up.

At the latest meeting of the community council several members criticised the owners, Rhode Island-based Wasserman Real Estate Capital LLC.

In addition resident Michael Buchanan, who made a presentation to the community organisation in which he criticised the American developers and described the position as "a major crisis for the reputation of St Andrews," suggested the Scottish Government become involved.

Purchased from St Andrews University by the American real estate firm in 2004 for a reputed £22 million, the distinctive sandstone building has been lying empty ever since and is showing clear signs of deterioration.

Owner David Wasserman has conceded that his original proposal - planning permission was granted in 2006 - to develop the property into more than 20 luxury timeshare apartments to be marketed worldwide has been shelved.

However he has failed to make clear any alternative project and, in the meantime, the building continues to become more run-down.

The development behind the final green of the Old Course was to have been completed earlier this year.

However, no work has taken place at the one-time Grand Hotel, apart from its interior being gutted.

Councillor Melville said, "I have sent photos of the state of the building to senior officials so that they are fully appraised of the state of and status of this unsafe building and advised them of the representation made to the community council.

"I have asked if there is anything the council can do in the meantime regarding putting pressure on the developers on both the safety aspect and the fact that the 2010 Open Championship is fast approaching and the further concerns on that front."

Councillor Waterston said, "I believe this has to be tackled as a major challenge to our planning and conservation procedures.

"I believe we need a thorough survey of the current condition of the building, and Fife Council should work as a matter of urgency, if necessary with the Scottish Government, to engage with the developer and find a mechanism to rescue this wonderful building for future generations.

"We need urgent action to identify other potential purchasers."

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Ted Brocklebank said, "If Mr Wasserman cannot come up with an acceptable use for the building, while retaining its fabric and status as a key component in the visual topography of the Old Course, he should sell it to someone who can.

"With the Open Championship back in St Andrews in 2010, it is totally unacceptable that the building should be left in its current abandoned state."

Retired London University environmental scientist Michael Buchanan said, "It is time for Fife Council to hand this over to a national authority to handle it differently."

Community council vice-chairman Dr Ian Goudie suggested investigating if some mechanism was in place "in order to find a way out."

Contact was made with the developers, but no comment was available at the time of going to press.