Major plans to redevelop one of the most historic sites in St Andrews have reached a significant milestone following approval from Fife Council.

The £142 million project will see the former Madras College school building on South Street extensively renovated and expanded. Once complete, the site — currently known as 'New College' — will house the new St Andrews Business School and the University's acclaimed School of International Relations. Beyond these departments, the development is viewed as a strategic catalyst that will free up space to modernise other areas of the University.

A substantial portion of the funding is being provided by alumni and global supporters through the University's Making Waves fundraising campaign. To date, the appeal has secured more than £50 million, including a £15 million grant from the Oak Foundation, £5 million from the Garfield Weston Foundation, and a US$5 million gift from US supporters and St Andrews residents, George and Wendy David.

Further financial support was confirmed last week with a £950,000 award from Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund. These funds are earmarked for advanced conservation work, such as roof repairs and the installation of vacuum glazing technology in original sash windows.

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University Principal Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, who is leading the project, said: "I am very pleased the plan has been approved. The former Madras College secondary school building has a very special place in the hearts of so many members of the St Andrews and North East Fife community, as well as our global alumni and donor network, and we are very grateful for their interest and support for the redevelopment plans. I know many people will now watch with interest as the vision becomes a reality."

Dame Sally added: "New College is part of our £300 million Making Waves fundraising campaign in support of our world-leading ambitions. Despite the very challenging financial circumstances facing the higher education sector, St Andrews recognises it is vital to invest in landmark projects that will not only create an inclusive and inspiring educational space but also bring tangible benefits to the St Andrews and wider Fife community, and help safeguard the future of the University."

Designed by award-winning architects WilkinsonEyre, the renovation focuses on the Category A listed Madras College building. A key feature includes a new glass roof over the quad to protect the sandstone cloisters and create a year-round indoor space. A major new building will also be constructed behind the historic frontage to house lecture theatres, study areas, and community facilities, including a café and a Changing Places toilet.

Stafford Critchlow, Board Director at WilkinsonEyre, said: "It's been a rewarding three-year process of careful dialogue to ensure the design properly stitches New College into the historic fabric of central St Andrews. With the restored listed building at its heart, reinvigorated by a newly covered courtyard designed for year-round use in the Fife climate, the scheme delivers outstanding facilities for students, postgraduates and academics.

"The result is a contemporary academic environment with a strong and distinctive St Andrews character, enriched by a new landscape setting and public access."

With planning consent secured, the project now awaits final fund release approval from the University Court. If granted, construction is expected to begin by early summer 2026.