Plans for a state-of-the-art music centre in the heart of St Andrews have been unveiled today by the University of St Andrews.

The University is to stage a public exhibition of outline plans and designs for the new £8 million centre which it hopes to build on a site in Queens Terrace bordering the historic St Mary’s Quadrangle.

The new centre will offer practice, rehearsal and teaching spaces needed by student musicians and will also incorporate a dedicated rehearsal studio, a music technology and recording suite, and a library.

St Andrews aims to fund the project entirely through philanthropy and has already raised over £5m thanks to the generosity of several lead donors.

To offer the public an early opportunity to browse the plans and give feedback, the University will stage a static exhibition at the Byre Theatre from 23 to 27 January between 10am and 6pm.

In addition, on Wednesday 25 January, members of the project team will be in attendance between 3.30pm and 7pm to discuss the proposals with any interested parties.

The University announced in late 2016 that it had appointed award-winning architects Flanagan Lawrence to design the purpose-built music centre.

A spokesman said: “As the existing music centre at the Younger Hall has close links with other departments in the arts and humanities and a strong community focus, the university was anxious to ensure the new building should be in the heart of town, allowing members of the public, staff and students ready access.

“The site chosen on Queens Terrace is currently occupied by temporary buildings and a car park.

“The new building will restore a historic quad and preserve the features of St Mary’s Quadrangle, while complementing the neighbouring St Regulus Hall student residence and the Bute Building.”

Subject to a formal application for planning permission, the University hopes to begin building before the end of 2017.

It is currently seeking the support of alumni, parents and friends to help it transform the musical facilities offered to students and the general public and to reinforce music’s place at the heart of the University and town of St Andrews.