St Andrews Cinema: campaigners back final plans after 12,000 strong petition

In October, US-based Nexus Luxury Collection - in which American superstars Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake are shareholders - announced plans to move into St Andrews New Picture House cinema and create a premium sports and entertainment facility.

Community backlash was swift and fierce, but now cinema campaigners have called a truce and are pleased with the final plans.

“While T-Squared Social will still be renovating the cinema, we believe that their business plans align with our desire to make the cinema a thriving establishment and a pillar of the St Andrews community,” an update from campaign leader and president of the St Andrews Film Society Ash Johann Curry-Machado said.

He continued: “After an incredible 12,000 signatures and a successful campaign, they've listened to all our concerns, so we have arrived at a position where we are comfortable to work closely together with them for the good of the cinema.”

Mr Curry-Machado launched a Change.org campaign to “save the New Picture House Cinema” back in October when the plans from T-Square Social were first announced.

In February, he ramped up the campaign and attempted to fill the picture house with supporters - proving that New Picture House as it is has a future.

However, a campaign update recently called a truce.

Mr Curry-Muchado highlighted that in response to community feedback, T-Squared Social will be retaining the New Picture House name and two out of three cinema screens.

“T-Squared Social is seeking to deliver a family-friendly, blended cinema, dining and entertainment offering, establishing the New Picture House as a social hub for St Andrews, while at the same time, saving the historic building and beloved cinema,” the update stated.

“We've understood from the beginning the harsh realities of running a cinema and sympathise with [the] difficult situation, so we believe that it is important to approach the issue pragmatically and work together so everyone can benefit. Our objective with this petition has always been to save the cinema, so through your support, our campaign has been a vocal enough force to ensure that the cinema remains the focus of their plans moving forward.”