T-Squared Social, which enjoys the backing of Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods and has already successfully launched a venue in Manhattan, is ready to embark on a new development in St Andrews.
With a plan to revitalize the traditional cinema, the New Picture House is set to become a bustling social centre in St Andrews. The project will preserve two of the three existing screens along with 345 seats, particularly the main auditorium. Upcoming enhancements will focus on better seats and advanced technology to ensure a superior movie-watching experience for patrons.
Alongside this upgrade, the venue will introduce new amenities, encompassing diverse sports simulators such as golf and football, designed to be adaptable and functional for various uses.
The structure’s façade will retain its original appearance, including the signage.
John Menzies from Savills Retail commented that integrating cinema with food, beverage, and entertainment is a growing trend across UK towns and cities. He remarked that it is heartening to witness the St Andrews cinema being preserved and renovated by T-Squared Social as part of their commitment to the property.
Craig Gunderson from Savills Planning highlighted the economic challenges faced by The New Picture House, such as sharply declining attendance leading to a potential shutdown. The new plans seek to ensure that updates to the building will honor its heritage and maintain it for future audiences.
The venue’s revitalization is expected to yield increased job opportunities and economic growth for the local area.
St Andrews, with its new celebrity-linked attraction, already boasts fame for several reasons. It’s the site of the oldest and most iconic golf course, the Old Course, regularly hosting the Open. Housing the esteemed Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews is also known for Scotland’s most ancient university and the historical St Andrews Cathedral. Additionally, West Sands beach on the eastern coast gained recognition from the film “Chariots of Fire.”
