'Significant' post-war university halls at St Andrews in need of essential repairs

One of the “most significant” post-war buildings in Scotland is in need of essential repairs.

The renowned halls of residence at Andrew Melville Hall, North Haugh in St Andrews will undergo an overhaul if Fife Council gives approval for the work.

University of St Andrews Estates has applied for council approval ahead of three summers worth of improvements.

Contractors on behalf of University Estates said the project “is for essential repairs which are required to the building fabric.”

Designed by renowned architect James Stirling in the 1960s, Andrew Melville Hall is significant in its design and use of materials as well as a “key formative work” of the architect.

The building is listed as a Class A modernist building, and it is commonly recognised as “one of the most significant post war buildings in Scotland,” according to the University.

The existing windows, which are replacements of the originals, are currently at the end of their life. The windows will be replaced to look the same.

However, the new panes will be better at conserving heat and energy. Extensive concrete repairs are also necessary.

Concrete panels to “all major elevations of the building” will be repaired and exactly replicated after years of weather exposure has led to corrosion and damage.

A supporting statement said: “The flat roof over the concourse has been leaking for a considerable period of time, caused in part by long-term exposure, but also by the design, which only has a limited number of small bore rainwater to outlets release the water to ground.”

The repairs are planned for a phased period over summers from 2023 to 2026.

Councillors and officers will consider the application in due course.