St Andrews in line for new multi-million championship golf course, resort and spa

The proposals for the leisure-led development on the outskirts of the Fife town include a clubhouse, golf accommodation including up to 39 luxury suites, a spa and restaurant.

Lying 2.5 kilometres south west of the university town, adjacent to the A915 main road, the 97.58-hectare site already has consent dating from 2004 for the development of an 18-hole championship golf course.

Work is currently underway on the course, designed by 1973 Open champion Tom Weiskopf.

The proposed resort site includes the farm steading known as Feddinch Mains, which currently lies vacant and derelict and will form the focus for new facilities.

A previous planning consent for the clubhouse, including 41 apartments, by Scotia Investment group was renewed in January 2017. This was on condition that it would lapse in three years if construction had not begun by then. The permission expired in January 2020.

Investment consultancy GPH Engineering purchased the site in early 2020 and is now looking to progress the clubhouse’s development and associated facilities.

A proposal of application notice, noting intent to submit a planning application in due course following community consultation, has been submitted to Fife Council to develop the clubhouse and associated works.

A spokesperson for GPH Engineering said: “This exciting and ambitious scheme will deliver unrivalled standards of golf, accommodation and service at St Andrews the home of golf, benefiting both members and the local community.

“The new course and clubhouse facilities will deliver some lovely coastal views in a fantastic unrivalled location, supporting a growing interest in golf, with the best courses attracting national and international visitors.

“It is our clear desire to deliver a project with lasting economic benefits to the town, Fife and Scotland. Schemes such as this provide a vital means to support the recovery of the tourism sector from Covid-19, delivering considerable employment opportunities – both during construction and onsite once complete.

“We’re looking forward to consulting widely with the community and key stakeholders over the coming months on our proposals, which will include a digital consultation event in May.”

Weiskopf said: “The uniqueness of Feddinch is two-fold: it is in a superb location, just 2.5 km from the beautiful town of St Andrews and will offer superb facilities, including a stunning clubhouse and golf course.

“The new owners are committed to providing the most comprehensive golfing experience in the British lsles and I am incredibly excited to finally see this dream project come to fruition.”

Under the proposals, all existing buildings at Feddinch Mains, with the exception of the farmhouse, would be demolished as part of the development, regenerating and re-using previously developed land.

If approved, the resort would provide golf club members and their guests with “unrivalled standards”. They would have access to a “stunning clubhouse that combines outstanding quality in accommodation, dining and leisure”.

There would also be options available for community access, developers noted. They added: “The Feddinch development would deliver considerable employment opportunities along with increased investment in the local Fife community.”

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