First look at Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods plans for historic cinema

Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake’s Venture to Revamp St. Andrews’ Iconic New Picture House Cinema

The iconic New Picture House Cinema in St. Andrews is set to undergo a transformative makeover, courtesy of Nexus Luxury Collection, a venture in which celebrities Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake are shareholders. Despite community pushback, plans for the revitalization are forging ahead, with new CGI videos, images, and a dedicated website unveiled to showcase the proposed enhancements.

Responding to community feedback, the revised plans revealed that two out of three screens, including the main auditorium, will be retained under the T-Squared Social venture, maintaining the beloved New Picture House name. Cinema 3 will remain largely unchanged, with upgrades to seating and technology aimed at enhancing the viewing experience. In Cinema 2, seating will be replaced with comfortable groupings to encourage socializing, complemented by an area for electronic darts.

The flagship cinema, Cinema 1, will retain its large screen for film screenings while doubling as a multi-functional space equipped with sports simulators for activities such as golf, rugby, lacrosse, and football. The seating in this space will be flexible, ensuring adaptability for various events while preserving the quiet atmosphere during movie screenings.

Furthermore, the proposed renovations prioritize the preservation of the auditorium’s character, with existing architectural features such as the ceiling, walls, and stage to be retained. The upper level seating area will also remain unchanged, maintaining over 300 seats for cinema-goers.

Christopher Anand, managing partner for T-Squared Social, emphasized their commitment to listening to the community and ensuring the longevity of the cinema experience in St. Andrews. He highlighted the economic benefits of the project, including the creation of 40-50 jobs and the retention of existing staff.

David Morris, Managing Director of New Picture House, expressed support for the venture, acknowledging the necessity of change to sustain the cinema’s viability. He praised T-Squared Social as the right partner to preserve the legacy of the almost century-old establishment.

North East Fife’s MP Wendy Chamberlain echoed support for the project, encouraging community engagement with the proposed plans through the provided video and website.

The project’s website offers detailed information on the proposed changes, along with answers to frequently asked questions. T-Squared Social aims to submit a planning application to Fife Council shortly, with an anticipated opening date set for Spring 2025.

Residents are encouraged to explore the website and reach out to T-Squared Social with any inquiries, signaling an inclusive approach to the revitalization of this cherished cultural landmark in St. Andrews.