At least £5 million will be ploughed into creating a “world-class” private sports training facility in St Andrews.
The Old Course Hotel says its plans for a state-of-the-art complex at Winthank Farm will not only provide a facility of “true excellence” that will rival anything else of its kind but could also create and support up to 150 jobs.
The ambitious blueprints have gone on display and revealed further details about moves to cement St Andrews’ place as a premier destination for some of sport’s superstars.
Two full-size pitches are planned, one with a fibresand surface and one using a synthetic ‘SIS-grass’ surface, with another grass area which could be used as an informal exercise area sandwiched in between.
Fire-damaged farm cottages on the greenbelt site, which was fully purchased by the Old Course in December, will be demolished and turned into a purpose-built changing pavilion which could house two visiting teams, officials and management staff.
It would similarly include a treatment room for physio and a teaching room for coaches, while a bungalow at the extreme eastern end of the site will be retained and turned into a physiotherapy/training studio.
It also emerged that English former footballer and manager Howard Wilkinson, who is now chairman of the League Managers Association down south, has been acting as a special adviser on the project.
Helen Parker, director of sales, marketing and real estate at the Old Course Hotel, said more than 20 clubs had expressed an interest in staying at the famous resort and confirmed that there has also been talks with the Qatar FA about some kind of tie-up moving forward.
“The business has attracted many international and regional sporting clubs and organisations because of its current offer but we’re now wishing to respond to increased demand from these visitors for an expanded offer where privacy, security and certainty of accessing world-class facilities can prevail,” she explained.
“The vision of Winthank is the creation of a world-class sporting facility for a range of ball sports teams who have regularly visited St Andrews and are seeking the best facilities in a private setting associated with the excellent service and hospitality they come to know from the Old Course Hotel.”
In terms of timescales, Ms Parker said the Old Course would like to have the pitches in place before the next World Cup in 2018, but stressed that those behind the scheme were happy to follow due process – however long that takes.
Around 100 construction jobs are expected to be created over an initial 18 month period, with around 15 of those to be retained for a six-month “grow in” period.
However, the Old Course believes up to 50 more jobs could be supported through the supply chain, in relation to linens, washing, health and sports medicine, foods and media interest.
Spanish football giants Barcelona have stayed at the hotel in recent years, as have English clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton, while the Scottish Rugby team have also been based there.
However, they have largely used pitches owned by the University of St Andrews or facilities further afield when training.
