Woods and Timberlake forge ahead with gastro pub plan
Plans by champion golfer Tiger Woods and superstar Justin Timberlake to open an upmarket sports and entertainment gastro pub in St Andrews are forging ahead despite a community backlash.
The A-listers are shareholders in Nexus Luxury Collection which wants to open its second venture in the university town. It was confirmed this week that the move would mean the end of the long-established cinema, the New Picture House, which has operated since 1930. The owner of the independent cinema confirmed it “cannot continue” as it currently stands, operating at less than 10 per cent occupancy.
The plans to transform the listed building were first revealed four months ago. Nexus Luxury Collection wants to launch its T-squared Social venture in town – it already operates in New York – turning the New Picture House into a premium sports and entertainment gastro pub. The company said it would “redefine the multi-dimensional dining experience, merging elevated cuisine and craft cocktails” and its plans include state-ofthe-art full swing simulators for golf and other interactive gameplay, duckpin bowling, darts, and premium sportswatching with large format televisions.
But, the move sparked an immediate outcry in the local community. An online petition to save the cinema has gained more than 11,000 signatures.
Despite the fierce backlash, Orbit Communications – speaking on behalf Nexus Luxury – confirmed that plans are still moving forward.
“Without a serious and timely intervention, a cinema offering will be lost to the town,” a statement said. “Many do not realise that the delivery of this sports and entertainment concept will enable a cinema offering to be maintained in the town and the building retained.”
However, the local community has hit back a via an online petition which stated: “The New Picture House isn't just any cinema; it's the heart and soul of St Andrews.
"As the only cinema in our town, it holds a special place in the hearts of all who call this beautiful place home. It is not just a cinema; it is a sanctuary of memories.”