St Andrews Harbour Hub Gains Unanimous Approval
A Harbour Hub, aimed at revitalising and future-proofing the mediaeval harbour of St Andrews, has gained unanimous approval from Fife Council planners.
St Andrews Harbour Trust, which is responsible for the development, maintenance and promotion of the 14th century harbour, has been given permission to construct a 1.75-storey building for harbour users, the wider community and visitors.
The Historic Environment Scotland A-Listed harbour is part of the St Andrews Conservation Area and an Archaeological Area of Regional Importance (AARI). The plans, which have now been approved, represent a proposal detailed in the Finalised St Andrews and East Fife Local Plan (2009), the East Sands Urban Design Framework (2010) and FIFEplan, the current Local Development Plan (2017).
For many decades, a Portacabin-style building has housed the harbour café, with the ground annually leased by the existing tenant and café owner.
Working with Newburgh-based Planning and Architectural Consultants A S Associates, the Trust team plans to create a fresh, modern look featuring a mix of wood cladding and render to complement the nautical surroundings, together with a zinc roof.
Construction of the building is likely to use structural insulated panels (SIPS), which are lightweight, sustainable, and capable of being erected in a short space of time, minimising disruption and any impact on the commercial interests of the café operator.
The team hopes to start construction off-season when the existing café would traditionally be closed for business.
The building will enjoy a modern look with a mix of render and timber cladding on three sides and a natural stone finish on the fourth wall. There will be a first-floor glass balustrade with steel handrails.
The ground floor will be home to a new, accessible café for 20 diners, while the building will also be home to the Harbourmaster’s office and a space upstairs that will house an interactive historical display on the history of the harbour and its future plans. There will also be covered outdoor seating accommodating an additional 20 diners.
Overdue, dedicated, accessible marine facilities (toilet/shower) will also be available to the growing number of berth holders and owners of visiting vessels. Externally, the proposal also includes improvement of the public space in relation to surfacing and accessibility.
Douglas Mundie of St Andrews Harbour Trust said, “We are absolutely delighted to have secured unanimous approval for our plans, which we prepared following widespread consultation and with great respect to this historic asset and its immediate surroundings.
“As a vibrant working harbour and much-loved and valued part of the town’s landscape, attracting thousands of local residents and tourists to enjoy every year, the town deserves high-quality facilities which will not only meet the practical needs and expectations of harbour users but the wider community.
“We would like to thank everyone who took the time to feed into the planning process to help us shape a design that will work for us all, for the long term.”
The Trust is seeking funding for the project through the Tay Cities Deal, a partnership between local, Scottish and UK Governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors. Representing an investment of around £0.5M, the application is a part of the Tay Adventures Project and has the support of Fife Council.
The Tay Cities funding is ringfenced for the development of the harbour and cannot be used for maintenance or repair. Separately, the Trust’s fundraising campaign to repair and future-proof the harbour in light of recent and continued storm damage is ongoing.
St Andrews Harbour Trust is a Trust Port Authority, an independent statutory body and charity, with a board of voluntary trustees and two appointed Fife Councillors.
For more information, visit www.standrewsharbourtrust.org.
ENDS