University of St Andrews: former paper mill at Guardbridge will be transformed into a modern working environment

External entrance visualisation of the Eden Campus Redevelopment Project, courtesy of the architects for the project, Atkins

Fife, Scotland, 26-Jan-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Plans for a multi-million pound development which will see 400 University staff relocate from St Andrews to the Eden Campus at Guardbridge have been lodged with Fife Council.

In what is a major strategic move by the University, the former paper mill at Guardbridge will be transformed into a modern working environment for key professional staff.

The £20 million plan will involve the sensitive restoration and refurbishment of buildings to create state-of-the-art office space, storage for library stock, a canteen and associated parking and landscaping. A key part of the development will be a café which will be open to the public as well as University staff.

A new entrance to the Campus will be created to reconnect the community of Guardbridge to the site and make it accessible to the public for the first time in over 150 years.

‌The plans provide for a total office space capacity for 500. It is anticipated that around 100 jobs will be created during the two-year construction and fitting out phase.

The relocation of staff to Eden Campus will ease the pressure on office and parking space in St Andrews and release space in the town centre and North Haugh for teaching and research purposes.

University of St Andrews Quaestor and Factor Derek Watson said: “This is a major strategic move for the University which will provide an exceptional working environment for our staff, breathe new life in the local economy of Guardbridge and have a beneficial impact on the town of St Andrews.

“We are committed to rejuvenating the former paper mill site and the development will result in the reuse of existing buildings, introduce a modern yet sympathetic new entrance into the site, and foster a sense of vibrancy and vitality.”

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said: “The relocation of staff to the Eden Campus shows a commitment by the University to St Andrews and the local community. This will be a huge boost for Guardbridge and create opportunities for local businesses as well as having the potential to free up space and ease congestion in St Andrews.”

North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins said: “This investment is hugely significant and another indication of just how committed the University is to creating a centre of excellence at the former paper mill site. The biomass energy centre, on the eastern side, has already attracted sustainability awards and these ambitious plans for Eden Campus will further regenerate another derelict area, attracting inward investment and offering huge opportunities for education, research and development.

‌“The relocation of 400 staff from the centre of St Andrews will also, I hope, bring significant benefits for the community and the local economy and I very much welcome the fact some areas like the café will be publicly accessible, creating greater links between the community and the University.”

The relocation of University staff to Eden Campus is due to begin in phases from the end of 2019.

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS/INTERVIEW REQUESTS

Derek Watson is available for interview via the Communications Office – contacts below.  

St Andrews has an in-house ISDN line for radio and a Globelynx camera for TV interviews. To arrange an interview please contact the Communications Office in the first instance.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office. Contact Steve Bargeton on 01334 467310 / 01334 462530 / 07802376860 or steve.bargeton@st-andrews.ac.uk.

SOURCE: The University of St Andrews