TIGER Woods and Justin Timberlake have been given the green light to transform a historic cinema into an 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 lifted the Claret Jug at The Open.
Fife Council has now granted them planning permission for the project.
Woods and Timberlake said they planned to retain one cinema screen but the rest of the building would be transformed in a £2 million investment from the city.
Both believe the development will ‘significantly increase access and interest’ from local people, students and visitors to St Andrews.
Plans submitted to the 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 is considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing and choice of materials; and will protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area
Fife Council
The pair plan to install sports simulators, giving guests the opportunity to play 100 courses from around the world and try their hand at soccer, NFL, rugby, cricket and lacrosse.
The venue will be open from 9am until midnight, seven days a week, but may extend that until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
It is hoped the venue will provide 40-45 jobs across management, bar, restaurant and waiting staff.
A planning statement previously released for the project said: “The proposals put forward by T-Squared Social have been welcomed by the current cinema owners, and will help secure the long-term future of The New Picture House by continuing to offer film screenings, as well as modernising the offer to provide a wider range of entertainment and dining experiences.
“Following the investment proposed by the applicant, the local community, students and visitors will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of cinema, dining and entertainment at the popular venue.”
Woods and Timberlake were asked to preserve historic paintings by Scottish artist Ada Hill Walker, whose watercolour panels inside the cinema building depict local scenes such as the castle, cathedral and cinema.
The planning report welcomed the bid but raised concerns about the impact it would have on the building and the artist’s original paintings.
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.”
“As such, the proposal is considered to be in conformity with the relevant policies and relevant guidelines of the Development Plan.”
Work on the project should begin within the next three years and all ‘significant internal features’ should be preserved.
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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 revealed they can’t wait to pour pints of booze 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.”
