Robertson is due to begin work on an eagerly anticipated new business centre in St Andrews next month.

The St Andrews Business Centre will provide new modern office space for a variety of potential business users from large organisations to small professional firms, IT companies and start-up businesses. Upon completion, the centre will establish a thriving business hub within the picturesque setting of Abbey Park in the St Leonards area of the town.

The project includes the construction of a new two-storey pavilion within the grounds of St Leonard’s Lodge, separated into four flexible areas ready for fit-out by the occupiers. It also sees the redevelopment of the existing St Leonards Lodge, most recently used as student accommodation, into potentially 11 individual Class 4 office units or as a single unit to one end user. In total 783sq metres of new office space will be created in the centre of the town.

It is hoped that the business centre, which will provide much needed business accommodation in the centre of town, will encourage university leavers from St Andrews University to launch business start-ups. In addition the flexible business space will provide the opportunity for established firms to open a satellite office in the area, creating new employment opportunities for local people.

Construction work is due to start in April and the first occupants are expected to move in October.

John Murphy, managing director at Robertson Homes, said: “We have worked closely with a variety of departments within Fife Council to ensure this quality development reflects its Conservation Area location. In addition we have had to be mindful of the likely business requirements in designing flexible spaces that can be purpose-fitted to meet the potential variety of occupiers’ needs.

“By employing local labour and suppliers, wherever possible, the construction of St Andrews Business Centre will also provide a significant boost to the local economy.”

The business centre is part of a wider redevelopment of the St Leonards area currently being undertaken by Robertson Homes that features a vibrant range of mixed-use accommodation, including specialised housing for older people and an exclusive series of Georgian-style townhouses.

Councillor Lesley Laird, Fife Council’s executive spokesperson for economy and planning, said: “We are delighted to see this new development come to the market. This development will provide St Andrews and North East Fife a modern office offering, which will undoubtedly attract interest from businesses from Fife and throughout Scotland.”

Jim McArthur, partner at Hardies Property & Construction Consultants, who will be managing the site, added: “While there have been similar developments in other areas of Fife over the years, this will be the first time that true ‘incubator’ business space has been provided in St Andrews. We believe that this project will encourage those in the town and its surrounding areas to take that first but very major step in obtaining business premises and, in the fullness of time, to help to create more jobs for the area.”