THE redevelopment of the historic New Picture House Cinema in St Andrews has progressed significantly with the approval of the operator’s alcohol licence by Fife Council.
This development follows the planning permission granted on 1 July 2024, allowing the cinema to be transformed into a blended entertainment hub and thus ensuring its survival.
The New Picture House, backed by celebrities Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods through T-Squared Social, will become a social hub for St Andrews.
The renovations will mainly focus on the building’s interior, preserving two out of the cinema’s three screens.
Although mainly focused on the building’s interior, they will preserve the exterior and the iconic name above the door, maintaining the heritage of the 1930s listed building.
The main auditorium, Cinema 1, will become a multi-functional space while maintaining the character of the historic auditorium with preserved ceiling, wall and stage features.
The seating in this space will be fully adjustable to accommodate various uses on a day-to-day basis.
This includes the addition of sports simulators for activities such as golf, rugby, lacrosse, and football.
Cinema 2 will undergo a transformation, replacing current seating with comfortable groupings to facilitate socialising, alongside the introduction of an area for electronic darts.
Cinema 3 will retain its current structure, with upgrades to seating and technology to enhance the viewing experience.
Dining and entertainment features will also be integrated into the renovated space.
David Morris, managing director for New Picture House, will oversee the transition to the new venture.
He said: “While inevitably the cinema has had to close to make way for the forthcoming renovation, this is an exciting time for both the cinema and for St Andrews.
“I cannot wait to open the doors of this new entertainment offering to the community, ensuring the continuation of an economically viable cinema for the town.”
Christopher Anand, managing partner for T-Squared Social, said: “We are delighted to be announcing our intention to commence works later this year on this exciting new entertainment concept, including the cinema.
“It will ensure that a cinema offering can remain in the town for this and for generations to come.”
The cinema is set to close in mid-September to allow for renovations, with the reopening planned for the 2025 summer season.
