Exciting news from T-Squared Social in St Andrews! As previously reported, the dynamic duo, Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods bought an old cinema in the town. After much legal wrangling and polite jostling with the locals, they have received the green light to transform it into a swanky sports bar.
Their new venture, T-Squared Social, will breathe new life into the New Picture House Cinema, morphing it into a luxurious bar complete with sports simulators, duckpin bowling, and darts, while still keeping two of the cinema screens intact.
Fife Council has given their nod to the application from Nexus Luxury Collection – the real estate company where both Woods and Timberlake are shareholders. They believe the project will “protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
This redevelopment is set to create between 40 to 45 new jobs, a welcome boost for the local economy.
The cinema’s current owners, revealed that the New Picture House was struggling, with occupancy below 10%. Without this change, they feared they would have to shut its doors for good.
The new bar aims to offer the St Andrews community a richer mix of cinema, dining, and entertainment options. It’s seen as crucial for securing a cinema presence in the area going forward.
Tiger Woods has previously said that the concept for T-Squared Social was born during a round of golf in the Bahamas with Timberlake. Woods, who played at St Andrews during the 150th Open Championship in 2022, has fond memories of the place and hopes the bar will become a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
As for Timberlake, despite his recent brush with the law in New York, he’s no stranger to St Andrews, having teed off at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2019.
Christopher Anand, the CEO and managing partner of Nexus, assures that they’re taking meticulous care to preserve the theatre’s historic architecture and design. He emphasised that the new bar will inject “new life and longevity” into the site, operating seven days a week.
Opened in 1930 and seating 700 people, the New Picture House has some stunning architectural features, including its ceiling, walls, and stage, which will be preserved in the redevelopment.
With the project approved, work must kick off within the next three years. So, keep your eyes peeled for this fantastic new addition to St Andrews!
