St Andrews flats where elderly residents were told to leave on market for £2.5 million

A block of St Andrews flats where elderly residents were controversially told to leave has gone up for sale for £2.5 million.

The complex on Marine Place, off North Street, consists of 15 flats.

The building previously provided self-contained apartments for older people.

In 2022, pensioners living there said they were “heartbroken” at being told by landlord Bield Housing and Care they would have to leave their homes.

Some of the residents later vowed to launch a legal challenge and to “barricade their doors” in an effort to stay put.

However, Bield says it has since managed to find those affected new places to live – and only two tenants remain.

The site – originally fishermen’s houses that were redeveloped in 1980 – is now being sold off.

Marine Place consists of a studio flat, 13 one-bedroom flats and a two-bedroom flat.

The homes benefit from private front and rear gardens and several of them have beautiful views over the North Sea.

Thorntons, which is marketing the site for sale, expects there to be significant interest from property developers.

Peter Ryder, managing director of Thorntons Property Services, said: “Marine Place is a very rare opportunity to acquire a development opportunity in the beautiful, historic town of St Andrews.

“Marine Place offers various development options, ranging from basic modernisation to a complete redevelopment, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.

“Given its location and the high demand for accommodation in St Andrews, we anticipate the site will generate keen interest from property developers.”

Bield: ‘No tenant has been forced to move’

Liz Peacock, head of development and sustainability at Bield, said: “No tenant has been forced to move from Marine Place.

“However, the properties simply cannot meet modern standards and regulations.

“Therefore, over the last four years, Bield has worked with tenants to understand their personal needs.

“Over this period, all tenants have elected to move to more suitable accommodation in areas of their choice within Fife, both with Bield and with other landlords.

“Bield continues to ensure that the transition to their new housing is done in partnership, and this is ongoing as we support the last tenants to move.

“Throughout the process, we have worked with tenants individually and with their relatives, other support and relevant local agencies.

“We have also kept elected members fully updated to ensure that choices made were right for each tenant’s housing needs.

“The timing of the recent advertising of Marine Place was built around our work with tenants.

“Bield has only progressed the sale of the property after all tenants elected to move to new homes and were fully aware of the promotion of the property.

“The safety and wellbeing of our tenants is our utmost priority at all times.”

Meanwhile, a ruined former smiddy not far from St Andrews has been turned into a home with a stunning roundel.