Plans have been submitted to create a new £20 million working environment for staff members at the University of St Andrews.

The scheme will see around 400 staff relocate to the former paper mill at the Eden Campus at Guardbridge, which will be restored and refurbished.

The plans involve creating a state-of-the-art office space, storage for library stock, a canteen and associated parking and landscaping. In addition, a cafe will be created for both the public as well as University staff.

Other plans include building a new entrance to the Campus, reconnecting the community of Guardbridge to the site and make it accessible to the public for the first time in over 150 years.

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Around jobs will be created during the two-year construction and fitting out phase, with the relocation of staff due to get underway from the end of 2019.

University of St Andrews Quaestor and Factor Derek Watson said: "This is a major strategic move for the University which will provide an exceptional working environment for our staff, breathe new life in the local economy of Guardbridge and have a beneficial impact on the town of St Andrews.

"We are committed to rejuvenating the former paper mill site and the development will result in the reuse of existing buildings, introduce a modern yet sympathetic new entrance into the site, and foster a sense of vibrancy and vitality."

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said: "The relocation of staff to the Eden Campus shows a commitment by the University to St Andrews and the local community.

"This will be a huge boost for Guardbridge and create opportunities for local businesses as well as having the potential to free up space and ease congestion in St Andrews."

(LM/MH)