St Andrews University has defended expenditure of over £1 million to upgrade the official residence of its principal, and has described the move as a “value-for-money investment.”
To date £1.18 million has been spent on renovating University House, a Victorian mansion on the Scores, overlooking St Andrews Bay.
University principal Dr Louise Richardson lives on its third floor with her family.
The rest of the property comprises public reception rooms, guest rooms and annexed accommodation which is used to host dignitaries, academics and potential sponsors.
Early last year, the university revealed much-reduced £750,000 plans to restore University House to its original role as official residence.
It had been converted into the School of Art History in 2001, the year Prince William began his studies in history of art.
Art history moved to North Street after the purchase of Greyfriars School from Fife Council at a cost of £1.2 million.
A university spokesman said it required larger accommodation.
He said, “A number of service units, including HR and finance, which required new open-plan accommodation, moved to the vacant Old Burgh School which the university bought from Fife Council and refurbished.
“As a consequence of these moves, it became possible to refurbish the vacant University House and return it to its role as the principal’s official residence.”
The spokesman added that the university is particularly proud of the work at Greyfriars, the Old Burgh School, as it has revitalised an unused building which used to be an important part of the community.
With over £1 million spent on the house when education funding faces possible cuts, the university has come under scrutiny.
One newspaper report this week claimed the overall cost of refurbishing it is close to £4 million due to the purchase of Greyfriars School, although this suggestion has been dismissed.
The spokesman said, “This is absolutely wrong. University House was left vacant by a series of pre-planned moves and a decision was taken to restore it to its original role.”
With the institution celebrating 600 years in 2013 the spokesman said that University House will play a key role in a multi-million-pound fund-raising campaign.
All St Andrews principals but one have lived in the residence since it was acquired in 1892.