Approval for new University Digital Nexus building at North Haugh

On Wednesday 11 February, planning for the construction of a new Digital Nexus building at the University of St Andrews was unanimously approved by North East Fife Planning Committee councillors. The building will host the School of Computer Science within the Science and Medicine area of the University at North Haugh, marking a milestone in the University’s efforts to modernise its facilities. 

The planning statement by the University proposed the demolition of the New Technology Lab building and the John Honey building, as well as the construction of a new three-storey teaching and research facility. This new building will provide improved and expanded spaces for both research and teaching activities, including three lecture theatres, teaching rooms, labs, offices, and research spaces designed to meet the needs of the School of Computer Science.

The site will include a central plaza — a communal space where students and staff can socialise. It will also feature a cafe and dedicated study spaces adjacent to the plaza, facilitating movement between socialising places and working areas, and strengthening the appeal for prospective students and staff. 

The site is expected to increase footfall, support local businesses, and become a vibrant student hub. The demolition of the current buildings and the subsequent construction will increase employment opportunities in St Andrews during the building phase.

Through a collaboration with the St Andrews Botanic Garden to develop the planting scheme for the new site, the development will see the planting of 42 trees across the campus grounds, a net increase of 35. Furthermore, the University pledges the implementation of comprehensive measures to protect and preserve diversity during the project.

The project is in line with the University’s ambitious commitment towards net zero by 2035 as well as complying with the Net Zero Public Sector Building Standard. The building will be 100% electric and will install PV panels on available roof spaces to generate electricity for the site. Additionally, the site will include 50 new cycle paths and improved pedestrian connections, reflecting the University’s efforts to cut carbon emissions and invest in sustainable energy.

The £60 million Digital Nexus building is part of the wider redevelopment of buildings on the North Haugh campus and forms a key component of the University’s £300 million Making Waves campaign. It will bring greater opportunities for research and collaboration across the University tackling major scientific issues including dementia and climate change. The site also seeks to grow outreach activities such as the Gateway to Science programme and summer programmes offered by the University.

During the demolition and construction, the University will relocate students and staff to different buildings across the town to minimise disruptions to teaching and research.

Whilst the planning permission has been granted, the University has not yet confirmed a timeline for the construction of the Digital Nexus building.

Photo by Alisa Senses