By Ian McConnell
PLANS have been drawn up to develop a multi-million-pound golf resort at Feddinch Mains on the outskirts of St Andrews.
Investment consultant GPH Engineering, which bought the site in June 2020, has formulated proposals for a leisure-led development including a clubhouse, golf accommodation incorporating up to 39 luxury suites, and a spa and restaurant. The 97.58-hectare site, around 2.5 kilometres south-west of St Andrews adjacent to the A915, already has consent dating from 2004 for the development of an 18-hole championship golf course. Contractors are currently mobilising to restart works on the course, designed by 1973 Open champion Tom Weiskopf.
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A spokesman for GPH Engineering said the expected date for completion of the project would be spring 2024. The new golf course is expected to be ready for “preview golf” in a “soft opening” in May 2023
A proposal of application notice, flagging intent to submit a planning application in due course following community consultation, has been lodged with Fife Council regarding development of the clubhouse and associated works including “minor alterations to the golf course layout”.
The site includes the farm steading known as Feddinch Mains, which lies vacant and derelict and will form the focus for new facilities.
GPH Engineering said all existing buildings at Feddinch Mains, with the exception of the farmhouse, would be demolished as part of the proposed development.
The Feddinch development will deliver “considerable employment opportunities”, GPH Engineering noted, along with increased investment in the local Fife community. Edinburgh-based GPH Engineering noted a previous planning consent for the clubhouse, including 41 apartments, for the “St Andrews International Golf Club” by Scotia Investments LP had been renewed in January 2017. This had been on the strict condition it would lapse in three years if construction had not begun by then. The permission expired in January 2020, GPH Engineering added.
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Tom Weiskopf said: “The uniqueness of Feddinch is two-fold: it is in a superb location, just 2.5 km from...St. Andrews, the home of golf, and will offer superb facilities. I am incredibly excited to finally see this dream project come to fruition.”
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