A decision on proposals to create a new college for St Andrews University in the former Madras College building is set to be taken next week.

Members of Fife Council’s North East Fife Planning Committee will be asked to approve recommendations that the plans – which would see the disused building restored and extended – be given the go-ahead.

The new facility would house the university’s School of International Relations and new business school as well as a café.

A report from planners said the project aimed to “restore the historic Madras College building and provide state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces” for students and staff.

An artist's impression of what the new facility at Madras College could look like. (Pic: Submitted)

placeholder image — An artist's impression of what the new facility at Madras College could look like. (Pic: Submitted)

As well as restoring the listed building, the development will see the creation of a new entrance pavilion located to the west of Madras College, a 250-seat lecture theatre to the west of the site, a glazed enclosure of the existing Madras courtyard and a large extension to the south of the premises.

The report continued: “Additionally, the project would feature upgrades to the public realm and landscaping around the site.”

Constructed in 1832 to the designs of William Burn, the college building is Neo-Jacobean in style and set back from South Street.

The original school building is stone-built with symmetrical and intricate detailing. Previous extensions to the listed building have been demolished, leaving the land surrounding the listed building vacant.

Recommending the proposals for approval, the planning report added: “The proposed restoration and extension of the former Madras College site to create a new college for the University of St Andrews is consistent with its historic use and would bring a vacant site within the St Andrews Conservation Area back into productive use.

“The scheme would deliver significantly enhanced facilities while preserving and restoring the Category A listed building.

“Although the extension is substantial, its impact on the setting from South Street and wider views is assessed as limited and not significantly detrimental to the character of the conservation area.

“The glazed roof to the courtyard introduces some change to the listed building’s character however, this is balanced by the creation of a year-round usable space and the overall benefits of the redevelopment.”

A decision is due to be made by councillors on Wednesday (January 14).