Set for approval earlier this month, Scotsman Developments has now been granted planning permission by Fife Council to create 703 more purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms at the former Madras College in St Andrews.
The site is located to the south of St. Andrews and lies in the playing fields north of the Madras College campus, which served as a comprehensive school for the local area from the late 1960’s to 2019.
The campus comprises of ’B’ listed former Madras College buildings and associated car parking, and amenity space. It forms part of Scotsman Developments’ phase three plans for the former sporting fields.
“Amongst the reasons for this is the chronic shortage of PBSA. By delivering c.700 new student bed spaces at Kilrymont in addition to those spaces already approved in Phases 1 and 2, the pressure on existing HMOs throughout the town can reduce significantly.”
Design & access statement, Halliday Fraser Munro
Designed by Halliday Fraser Munro, phase three of the Kilrymont scheme would deliver 703-bed spaces within 132 accommodation clusters, and developers are also planning to retain and refurbish the existing sports hall building, community use facilities and a pool hall.
Phase three has also provided the opportunity to retain the building and improve its pool, gym and changing facilities.
“The project will deliver a vibrant, inclusive, comfortable, and sustainable living environment for students, as well as an extensive public park with opportunities for recreation.
“The site and amenities will be open and welcoming to students and local residents fostering a sense of community, promote well-being, and provide various opportunities for social interaction and relaxation.”
Design & access statement, Halliday Fraser Munro
There would be 196 bed spaces within the West Central Apartment Block, 151 bed spaces within the East Central Apartment Block, 140 within the North Townhouses and 216 bed spaces between the East and West Townhouses.
It is hoped that the Kilrymont PBSA developments mean the reintroduction of the existing housing stock to non-student occupiers.
“The refurbished building will offer a pool and sports court, thus providing a desirable community use. It will be open not only to the students of the development, but also local residents and the wider community of St Andrews.”
Design & access statement, Halliday Fraser Munro
Phase one was completed in September, reusing an existing teaching block to provide 208 student rooms. Phase two is currently under construction to provide a further 241 PBSA rooms.
Now, phase three aims to build on previous phases to provide a high quality and high amenity campus development. Over all three phases, a total of 1,152 PBSA student rooms would be added to the town’s housing stock.
“The proposal enhances the existing setting and character of the listed buildings on the site by creating new, landscaped green spaces and properties which reflect the St Andrews vernacular. All proposed buildings are designed to be sympathetic to the historical buildings and setting to the south.
“New green routes are proposed throughout the site to connect the development to existing amenities and the town centre for active travellers (cyclists and pedestrians etc).”
Design & access statement, Halliday Fraser Munro
