WORK on the redevelopment of the New Picture House Cinema in St Andrews has received a boost following the approval of the operator’s alcohol licence by Fife Council.
The New Picture House, along with T- Squared Social, received planning permission for the redevelopment of the cinema in July. The project will deliver a blended cinema, dining, and entertainment offering, thereby saving the much-loved cinema from closure.
Backed by Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods, T-Squared Social’s proposals will establish the New Picture House as a social hub for St Andrews, while, at the time, saving the historic building and cinema. Two out of three screens, including the main auditorium, are to be retained as part of the cinema offering.
One of the screens will be maintained in its present form (cinema 3), with improvements made to the seating and technology to improve the viewing experience. Current seating in Cinema 2 will be replaced with comfortable seat groupings – allowing people to socialise, with an area for electronic darts.
The main auditorium will retain the large screen and as a multi-functional space will include a range of sports simulators including golf, rugby, lacrosse, and football. The seating will be entirely flexible, allowing the aspect of the seats to change depending on the use of the auditorium on a day-to-day basis.
The character of the auditorium is also being protected with existing ceiling, walls, and stage features retained. Responding to the public the much-loved upper level of the cinema will be staying as it is today, with over 300 seats retained in the venue for cinema goers.
In advance of works commencing the cinema is set to close in mid-September, with the new entertainment offering scheduled to re-open in time for the 2025 summer season, the developers said.
Much of the New Picture House, which is a listed building and dates from the 1930s, will remain the same. Any renovations and enhancements will be made to the interior, not the exterior, preserving and celebrating the building, including the name above the door.
Christopher Anand, managing partner at T-Squared Social, said, “We are delighted to be announcing our intention to commence works later this year on this exciting new entertainment concept, including the cinema. It will ensure that a cinema offering can remain in the town for this and for generations to come.
“As we progress with the construction works, we look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and council on our ongoing activity.”
David Morris, MD at New Picture House, commented, “I am delighted to be personally working with T-Squared Social to support the transition of the business to the new venture.
“While inevitably the cinema has had to close to make way for the forthcoming renovation, this is an exciting time for both the cinema and for St Andrews, and I cannot wait to open to doors of this new entertainment offering to the community, ensuring the continuation of an economically viable cinema for the town.”
