St Andrews Abattoir will never reopen, its former operators have confirmed.
Gordon Young, chairman of St Andrews Abattoir, has said any suggestion it could reopen was “just ridiculous”.
Plans are being considered for a 65-bed hotel and a food store in Largo Road, with Premier Inn and M&S Simply Food already lined up to move in.
However, amid concerns about the welfare of animals now being transported further for slaughter and the impact on former customers of the abattoir, there have also been calls for the building to be marketed as an abattoir for 18 months before an alternative use for the site is given the go-ahead.
Denouncing this suggestion, Mr Young said: “Following years of running at a loss we implemented the planned closure of the business last July.
“Some objectors to the application are saying it made money, could reopen and work on a cheaper cost base.
“That is just ridiculous. The board of the abattoir is made up of some of the most experienced people in the meat industry in Scotland and if they cannot make it work, then I believe no one can.
“The buildings are now completely decommissioned and are derelict, there is no abattoir licence and, fundamentally, there is simply no demand for a similar facility in Fife, never mind the centre of St Andrews.”
Brian Robinson, a spokesman for Ashleigh (St Andrews) Ltd, who are behind the development scheme, said: “The case for the redevelopment of the site is sound and the people of St Andrews are left with a decision.
“This is either to have a derelict site for the foreseeable future or to have the site redeveloped, bringing two new exciting and complementary facilities to St Andrews, enhancing the town’s offering.”
He added: “Support for the development is huge. If the people of St Andrews want this to go ahead then they need to let their council know before the application is determined in January of next year.”