£24m campus plan to create 500 jobs

UNIVERSITY chiefs have unveiled campus development plans that could see 500 jobs being created.

Proposals worth £24 million by St Andrews University, Fife, as part of the Tay Cities deal would result in the new posts being made at the Eden campus in Guardbridge.

The bid is part of a £1.84 billion package for more than 50 projects across Tayside and North East Fife as part of the Cities Deal.

Projects earmarked for the bid include a zero carbon integrated energy community, an enterprise centre and a location for a “living lab” environment.

University quaestor and factor Derek Watson said: “With Tay Cities Deal help, we can continue to redevelop buildings and provide the necessary infrastructure to co-locate exciting new industry alongside academic expertise from across Scotland.

“Our plans for Eden campus are ambitious but with help from our partners in the Tay Cities region and government support, we believe we can make a genuine contribution to the government’s strategic objectives and society as a whole.”

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie, who is also leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: “I am delighted the university is putting forward ambitious proposals to further develop their Eden campus.

“This is a strong bid that would build on the existing investment. The university’s redevelopment of Guardbridge has my full support.”

Local MP Stephen Gethins said: “I am delighted the university has taken this step; its continued commitment to the Eden campus project is great news for the local economy and surrounding communities.”

The university has already invested £25m in a centre at Eden campus, which pumps hot water four miles to St Andrews.