Invitation to learn about biomass project progress

The University of St Andrews is inviting the local community to a series of Open Door information sessions – providing the opportunity to find out more about the development plans for a £25 million energy centre on the east side of the former paper mill site at Guardbridge.

Drop in sessions will be held at the Byre Theatre in St Andrews on Monday 26 October 2015 from 12.30 – 2pm and from 4 – 7pm; and at the Eden Mill Brewery at the development site in Guardbridge from 4 – 7pm on Monday 2 November, 2015.

The sessions will provide information about planned road closures next year, which will be necessary when essential major pipe-laying works get underway on the main A919 Guardbridge to St Andrews road as part of the project. The pipe-laying works are scheduled from 15 February to 8 April 2016.  Guests will also be able to ask questions, and to raise any issues or concerns. Representatives from the University and its contractors will be available to explain the works already underway and plans for the future.

Vice-Principal (Enterprise and Engagement) Professor Verity Brown said, “We know that in the short-term this project will cause considerable disruption to residents, local businesses and commuters and we are committed to ensuring local people are fully informed. These events are part of that effort, and we’ll be actively listening to people’s views so that we can take all reasonable steps to keep that disruption to a minimum.”

The construction phase will create 225 jobs in Guardbridge, and will deliver a world-class Energy Centre which will produce hot water from a biomass boiler using clean, natural fuels and help regenerate north east Fife. The Vice-Principal continued, “We believe the Green Energy Centre at Guardbridge has the capacity to re-establish this site as a key economic centre. We are grateful for the encouragement given to us by the local community over the last 3 years as we’ve worked to develop these plans, and I look forward to welcoming as many people as possible and working with them to bring them to fruition.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Guardbridge Guarantee – a scheme developed as part of the project to ensure ongoing support for apprenticeship and graduate training, creating and sustaining jobs while working with the local community to promote environmental sustainability, green-energy projects and support for local business.

Issued by the Press Office, contact [email protected] or call 01334 462530.

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532