New efforts are being made in a bid to bring “much-needed” employment opportunities to St Andrews.
After years of controversy and uncertainty, Fife Council is seeking expressions of interest in a dilapidated industrial site.
Officials hope new life can be breathed into the Bassaguard estate, which had been suggested for residential development.
A brief released by the council invites interested parties to get in touch and offers a 125-year lease.
“The site is located to the south-west of the town centre, is accessed off Wallace Street, and lies adjacent to the Botanic Gardens with views over the Kinness Burn,” it states.
“The council is seeking expressions of interest from parties who may consider working with the council to deliver a much-needed employment opportunity in St Andrews.”
The statement notes any development should commence “within 12 months”.
“The council’s preference would be to secure a joint venture development partner who would undertake to develop the site,” it continues. “It would be proposed that the council would make available the land required for the proposals under a long ground lease of 125 years.”
It is seeking a private sector or not-for-profit developer “experienced in developing business workspace accommodation for local needs”.
The brief says “no consideration will be given to either residential or retail uses”.
St Andrews councillor Bill Sangster said, “I have been trying to have this site upgraded for many years. As such, this new initiative by the council to move forward in this very important redevelopment procedure is very welcome.
“This has been a commercial site for a long time but over the past eight or nine years it has been run down and no progress to develop it was being encouraged.
“It is good news that the council is asking for expressions of interest from parties to work with the authority to deliver an employment opportunity in St Andrews.”
The closing date for initial notes of interest is July 2.
Mr Sangster continued, “It is an area of approximately 0.82 acre so there is a large area where many varied types of buildings may be located, single and two-storey.
“There is very little land available in the St Andrews area which can be developed for this purpose, so it is in the interest of all local businesses to consider this one-off opportunity.
“I have been approached on many occasions by tradesmen looking for accommodation within the town to be able to expand into something more permanent, so this may be a chance to carry out that move.”