
Popular seaside town dubbed a ‘must-visit' set for HUGE £16million retail and restaurant development
The £16 million project will bring new businesses, jobs, and essential amenities
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A POPULAR seaside town, renowned for its charm and historical significance, is set to undergo a major £16 million transformation.
St Andrews, located on the east coast of Fife, is at the heart of this exciting development.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
5
This development will not only create around 170 new jobs but will also boost the local economy
Credit: Getty
5
The developers are confident that the new project will create a dynamic and attractive area for businesses to establish themselves
Credit: Getty
5
Tourism, a key industry for the town, will also see benefits from the development
This ambitious retail and restaurant development promises to reshape the town's landscape, bringing new business opportunities, jobs, and amenities to the area.
The project is poised to enhance the town's appeal, solidifying its status as one of the UK's must-visit coastal destinations.
Famous worldwide for its golf heritage and stunning coastal views, the town attracts both tourists and locals alike.
Now, the £16 million investment is set to bring new retail spaces, restaurants, offices, and business units to the outskirts, particularly around the Craigtoun area.
This development will not only create around 170 new jobs but will also boost the local economy and provide much-needed amenities to support the growing population.
The proposed project, submitted to Fife Council by West Coast Estates, will introduce new restaurants, office spaces, and business units to the western edge of St Andrews, specifically at Craigtoun.
If approved, this development is expected to create around 170 permanent jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy.
Additionally, a further 100 jobs are expected to be generated during the construction phase, contributing to a vibrant future for the town.
St Andrews is not just famous for its golf courses – it's also a hub for tourism and culture.
Visitors flock to its stunning beaches, including the West Sands, which was featured in the iconic film Chariots of Fire.
The town's historic charm, combined with modern amenities, makes it a magnet for both locals and tourists alike.
Its mix of ancient landmarks, including St Andrews Castle and the famed university, with modern cultural offerings, ensures it remains a top destination year-round.
West Coast Estates, the developers behind this ambitious project, believe that the £16 million investment will deliver long-term economic benefits.
Director Ifikar Mian explained, 'The site is ideally located to provide much-needed amenities and services for the community, and it will play a key role in the wider Craigtoun Masterplan.'
This will include over 1,000 homes in addition to the retail and business spaces, ensuring the area remains vibrant and accessible for residents and visitors.
The inclusion of new homes will also cater to the increasing demand for accommodation in this picturesque and bustling town.
The developers are confident that the new development will become a dynamic and attractive area for businesses to establish themselves.
The plan aligns with St Andrews' growing reputation as a thriving, must-visit destination, offering not only breathtaking views and historic sites but now, enhanced commercial facilities.
The £500,000 in annual business rates generated by the development will go a long way in supporting essential local services, making it a win-win for the community.
For residents, the added retail and restaurant spaces mean more options for shopping and dining, something that has long been requested by the local community.
The development will also bring new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses, providing them with the space to grow and thrive in a rapidly expanding town.
With St Andrews' blend of historical significance and modern lifestyle, the addition of these facilities will make the town an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Tourism, a key industry for the town, will also see benefits from the development.
With the addition of new restaurants and business units, visitors will have even more reason to explore this renowned town.
St Andrews has long been a magnet for golf enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers, but with these new offerings, the town is ready to attract an even wider range of tourists, including those interested in a vibrant food scene and diverse retail experiences.
This transformation could reshape St Andrews, maintaining its status as one of Scotland's top coastal towns while meeting the growing demand for modern services.
The £500,000 in annual business rates generated by the development will go a long way in supporting essential local services, making it a win-win for the community.
As the development moves forward, it's clear that St Andrews is poised to remain at the forefront of Scotland's coastal charm while expanding its business and economic prospects.
In the long run, the plans for Craigtoun are not just about economic growth but also about fostering a thriving, sustainable community.
With an increased number of residents and businesses in the area, local schools, healthcare facilities, and other amenities are expected to receive additional support.
The project's forward-thinking design and community focus are expected to set the tone for the future development of St Andrews, ensuring it remains a beacon of success in Scotland's coastal towns for years to come.
5
Looking out over the East Sands in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Credit: Getty

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Sky Q replacement update as new £6 a month TV service is launched to lure satellite viewers
A brand new Sky Glass Air device comes out next week Q UP Sky Q replacement update as new £6 a month TV service is launched to lure satellite viewers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT'S taking Sky "much longer" than the company originally expected to shift satellite fans to streaming, a TV expert has revealed. Sky has been pushing ahead with TV that relies on the internet instead of a satellite dish since 2021. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 New Sky Glass Air starts at £6 per month Next week, yet another Sky Glass model goes on sale, while the beloved Sky Q satellite box hasn't seen a hardware update since 2016. Sky Glass Air is a thinner model without the built in soundbar that's cheaper than the previous models, in a bid to win people over. The firm says 90 per cent of new customers opt for Sky Glass or Sky Stream - but winning over Sky Q loyalists seems to be tricky. Paolo Pescatore, an expert for PP Foresight, previously told The Sun it is "highly unlikely" Sky will ever release a new satellite box. In an update, he says the arrival of a more affordable slimmer model "should strongly resonate with customers" but it "does show a clear razor sharp focus on new sales". "The majority of its existing subscribers are still on the tried and trusted Sky Q platform which relies on a satellite dish," he explained. "Converting this base is taking the company much longer than it originally expected. "On this basis Sky Glass has not been as successful as the company had anticipated. "Despite this, the move in general made sense given the direction of travel with what I'm calling the big TV switch off; likely to happen now in the 2030s and to defend against the rise and threat of streamers by allowing Sky to control the experience and manage customer relationships which it has successfully been able to do. "Also and more importantly, it has allowed Sky to secure retail distribution agreements for products like Sky Stream with others." Discover new features on Sky TV that make it even easier to find favourite shows He warned Sky is still "hugely reliant" on its core and lucrative Sky Q base which it "must avoid upsetting as there are a slew of cheaper alternative TV platforms and services in the market". Last year, Sky signed a contract extension with satellite operator SES that takes the service up to 2029. Sky Q's biggest difference is its ability to record on a box, whereas on Sky Glass it's recorded to the cloud. This means on Sky Q you will always have something to watch if there's ever an outage. And a limited number of programmes and movies can't be recorded to the cloud because of rights issues - whereas on Sky Q you can record what you want. The upside of Sky Glass and Sky Stream recording is that there is no storage limit unlike Sky Q.


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Huge fashion chain with 20 Scottish stores at risk of collapse as thousands of jobs in danger
A decision could be made in weeks CLOSURE FEARS Huge fashion chain with 20 Scottish stores at risk of collapse as thousands of jobs in danger Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR fashion train with 20 stores across Scotland is at risk of collapse. Thousands of jobs are at risk at River Island where bosses have called in experts to put together a restructuring plan. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 River Island has twenty stores across Scotland Credit: Alamy 3 The chain has called in a firm to organise a restructure Credit: Alamy The chain has reportedly hired PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to help manage the situation, reports Sky News. River Island's official accounts for 2023 show the retailers made a £33.2m loss before tax. And their turnover plummeted by 19 per cent during the same time. No decision has yet to be made but it is understood a restructuring plan could be published in weeks. Businesses often put together a restructuring plan to prevent them from becoming insolvent and going out of business. The firm has been facing pressures from the online market where punters can buy their clothes quicker. Their most recent accounts statement to Companies House blamed "global events" for supply chain issues. It read: "The market for retailing of fashion clothing is fast changing with customer preferences for more diverse, convenient and speedier shopping journeys and with increasing competition especially in the digital space. "The key business risks for the group are the pressures of a highly competitive and changing retail environment combined with increased economic uncertainty. Final sales begin as popular clothing brand closes all stores leaving 'devastated' shoppers scrambling for alternative "A number of geopolitical events have resulted in continuing supply chain disruption as well as energy, labour and food price increases, driving inflation and interest rates higher and resulting in weaker disposable income and lower consumer confidence." River Island has twenty stores north of the border. A spokesperson for the store declined to comment to Sky.


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Popular city centre cafe that starred in ITV show closes for good as owner reveals ‘we're devastated'
ITV-featured café where hot chocolate stole the show shuts after cost surge SHUTTING UP Popular city centre cafe that starred in ITV show closes for good as owner reveals 'we're devastated' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR city centre café that starred in an ITV food show has closed its doors for good, leaving loyal customers 'absolutely heartbroken'. Cocoa Joe's, located in York city centre, gained national attention in 2022 when it was featured in the early series of ITV's Ainsley's Good Mood Food. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Its appearance on national television only boosted its profile further Credit: Google Maps The café showcased its rich, handcrafted hot chocolates and welcoming atmosphere, earning praise during the episode. The programme, hosted by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott, focuses on comfort food and uplifting recipes, with Cocoa Joe's selected as one of the standout stops for sweet treats. Speaking about the experience, co-owner Joe Andrew said: 'It was a real honour to be selected to be involved. "They could see how we are trying to do something really special here and enjoyed tasting the differences between our single origin chocolates and seeing how that carries through to create unique hot and iced chocolate drinks,' according to The Press. But despite its popularity, the business has now shut down due to rising costs. In a heartfelt post shared on Facebook, the team said: 'We have had four brilliant years of serving our finest hot chocolate drinks to the lovely York community and to customers from all over the world, but sadly (and we are devastated about this) we are no longer able to stay open. 'Cocoa prices have more than trebled in three years and other costs have gone up well beyond the rate of inflation, leaving us in a situation where the business simply can't keep going.' They added: 'This is not a decision that was made lightly, and we are incredibly grateful for all the support we have had over the past four years. "We are also hugely appreciative of the amazing team who have delivered on our goal to provide an incredible customer experience.' Cocoa Joe's quickly became a firm favourite in York, drawing in both locals and tourists with its luxurious drinks and welcoming vibe. Its appearance on national television only boosted its profile further. But the shock closure has sparked a wave of messages online, with customers expressing their sadness and sharing fond memories of their visits. Mandy Lotts wrote: 'It's sad to read that you're affected by everything that's going on.' Jasmin Johnson added: 'Absolutely heartbreaking. But thank you so much for the amazing drinks and service over the years. "You have always been my first stop on every visit to York.' Another loyal visitor, Paula Konefal, commented: 'Oh what a shame. I have enjoyed my many visits.' One customer said: 'So sorry to hear this — thank you for all your hard work — visiting your shop was always one of our highlights when we were in York.' Another wrote: 'Very sad to hear this. You folks were my favourite place to get hot chocolate in York.' While the York branch has shut, Cocoa Joe's location in Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, will remain open for business. Customers can find more details on their website. The closure comes as small hospitality businesses across the country face mounting financial pressure. Independent cafés and shops have been hit hard by soaring costs, from ingredients and energy bills to rent and wages. According to Yorkshire Live, Cocoa Joe's is one of several independent businesses in the city to shut or scale back recently. Other closures include The Hairy Fig deli on Fossgate has closed, and Love Cheese on Gillygate has scaled back its services. Many fear more closures could follow unless something changes. Despite the challenges, customers are hoping Cocoa Joe's might one day make a return. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans