Plan Re-think for Student Housing

The University of St Andrews is pushing to build a major 710-bed student housing development at its Albany Park campus.

Hadfield Cakwell Davidson has been brought on board to replace 1970s accommodation at East Sands, demolished in 2020, with a purpose-built block delivered in partnership with Campus Living Villages.

Supplanting pre-pandemic plans, now considered unfeasible, the resubmission takes account of inflation in the cost of building materials to increase the planned number of beds from 672.

Derek Watson, chief operating officer, quaestor and factor, for the university said:

“The development at Albany Park is key to the University’s strategy to provide more accommodation for our students and ease the pressure on housing stock in St Andrews. Despite recent volatility in the markets, particularly the construction industry, we have remained committed and optimistic this plan can become a reality.

“If approved, the new Albany Park will provide more than 700 high-quality student beds in an attractive landscaped environment which will improve amenity in the east of the town.

“The development has the potential to revitalise the eastern area of St Andrews and we are looking forward to putting our proposals to the local community and hearing their views.”

A public consultation on the latest plans will take place at the Byre Theatre on 7 and 28 June.

Source: Urban Realm