University plans major new arts building

The University of St Andrews is to seek planning permission for a major new town centre building which will provide much needed teaching and research space for the Faculty of Arts and a new home for the School of International Relations.

The proposed multi-million pound building of architectural distinction will be located next to the University Library in North Street and will include a new lecture theatre, seminar rooms and office space.

The University has commissioned Architects Reiach and Hall to develop proposals for the project and will hold a Public Consultation Meeting in St Andrews at the end of April to present outline plans and drawings to local residents and interested parties.

Dean of Arts Professor Christopher Smith believes the new arts building must complement St Andrews town centre architecture and help the University meet rapidly growing demand for new teaching and research space.

“St Andrews is now home to several world-class centres of excellence and assessments of the teaching and research we provide are universally outstanding,” he said.

“A consequence of that success is that our expanding undergraduate, postgraduate and staff population has exceeded the currently available space and new accommodation is urgently needed to ensure we maintain the highest traditions of excellence in teaching and research.

“The Faculty of Arts has almost two thirds of the undergraduate population in St Andrews and Schools like Philosophy, History and Classics have been extremely successful in attracting external funding for internationally regarded research centres. This building will reflect our position as one of the most lively and dynamic Arts Faculties in the United Kingdom.

“Amongst these success stories, the School of International Relations boasts one of the fastest growing postgraduate populations in the University and is attracting new staff from all over the world, while the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence has a pre- eminent reputation within the field.

“Subject to the granting of planning permission, we know that a new building which is flexible in use will help the University fulfill its mission of offering world class teaching and research. We also want to be sure that it is architecturally distinctive and in harmony with our historic surroundings.”

The Public Consultation Meeting will take place on Wednesday 28 April 2004 at 7.00pm in Lower College Hall. It is likely that thereafter a formal planning application will be prepared and submitted to Fife Council.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information, please contact Niall Scott, Press Office – 01334 462244, 07711 223 062 or [email protected] Ref: press releases/artsbuilding View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk