A-listers Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have welcomed approval for a drinks licence at their Scottish entertainment venue.
The famous pair are set to transform the New Picture House in St Andrews into a ‘unique’ bar and restaurant in the city renowned as the home of golf.
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Woods and Timberlake, who already operate bars called T-Squared Social in New York, were keen to bring their brand to Scotland.
The Category B listed cinema venue is close to the Old Course, where Woods twice won the Claret Jug at The Open.
He confirmed that work on the venue will begin before the end of the year and that authorities have given approval for a liquor licence.
Plans state that the venue will establish the New Picture House as a social hub for St Andrews, while also saving the historic building and beloved cinema.
Two of the three screens, including the main auditorium, will be retained as part of the cinema.
This is an exciting time for both cinema and St Andrews, and I can’t wait to open the doors to this new entertainment offering
david morris
One of these screens will be retained in its current form, and seating arrangements and technology will be improved to enhance the viewing experience.
The current seating arrangement in Cinema 2 will be replaced with comfortable seats, allowing people to mingle and there will also be space for electronic darts.
The big screen will remain in the main auditorium and movies will be shown.
But it will serve as a multi-functional space and include a variety of sports simulators, including golf, rugby, lacrosse and football.
The seating arrangement will be completely flexible, allowing the seating arrangement to be changed based on the day-to-day usage of the auditorium.
The character of the auditorium is also being preserved, with the existing ceiling, walls and stage features being retained.
In keeping with public demand, the cinema’s much-loved upper level will remain as it is today, and over 300 seats will be retained at the venue for movie-goers.
Plans submitted to Fife Council, which were backed by the cinema’s owner, said T-Squared Social would bring a ‘fun, family-friendly’ destination to the area under one roof.
The proposal was considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing and selection of materials; and it would preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.
Englishman Tyrrell Hatton will compete in the Spanish OpenDevelopers said the theater will close in mid-September before reopening in time for the 2025 summer season.
“We are delighted to announce our intention to begin work on this exciting new entertainment concept, including a cinema, later this year,” said Christopher Anand, Managing Partner of T-Squared Social.
“This will ensure cinema facilities will remain in this town and for generations to come.”
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Students and business owners have previously supported Woods and Timberlake’s plan for an American-style sports bar at the Home of Golf.
Neighbours in St Andrews said they couldn’t wait for the arrival of the drinkers supported by the golf legend and superstar singer.
Britton Mori, 21, from Annapolis, Maryland, US, said: “It looks like it’s going to be something unique.
“I grew up knowing about Tiger Woods. My dad is one of the biggest golf fans.
“I called him and said, ‘Dad, you have no idea who my neighbor is!’ Justin Timberlake is his favorite singer, too. He’s so happy.”
Britton, who is in the fourth year of a degree course in English literature, is not concerned about any noise the proposed pub might make.
And she hopes to meet sports icon Woods and Rock Your Body star Timberlake before she graduates next summer.
He added: “I hope they will both come for the opening of the bar. This street is going to be very busy.”
Local businessman Stefano Pieraccini, aged 28, who owns a nearby seafood restaurant, described opposition to the plans by some residents as “prehistoric”.
He said: “It’s fantastic. Two big names like Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods. Something that will modernise St Andrews. I’m really excited about it.”
Phil Wishart, 67, owner of the music-themed Ziggy’s restaurant, also welcomed the competition.
He added: “I imagine there will be a bit of opposition to it. But it won’t bother me.”
“This is a big project. I would say, ‘Good luck.’ We’ve been here for 40 years and we’ve wished many people good luck before.”
“As we progress with building works, we look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and council in our ongoing activities.”
New Picture House managing director David Morris will remain there and manage the transition to the new venture.
He said: “I am personally delighted to be working with T-Squared Social to help transition the business into this new venture.”
“Although the cinema has had to close for the upcoming refurbishment, it is still an exciting time for both the cinema and St Andrews.
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“I can’t wait to open the doors to this new entertainment offering for the community, ensuring the continuation of an economically viable cinema for the city.”
Approving the plans, Fife Council said: “The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of design, detailing and choice of materials; and will protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
