Disrespectful. That’s how the citizens of the UK reacted when they got to know that Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake wanted to build a sports bar right in the place of a 1930s cinema. The duo already have combined ownership of the T-Squared Social Sports Bar in New York, but wanted to expand and, hence, proposed a new branch in St. Andrews, Scotland.
Since the locals weren’t happy with this decision, they started a petition against recent renovation plans for the New Picture House at St. Andrews. It received about 10k signatures. However, it seems like Woods and Timberlake are fixated on the location. Woods won two Open Championships on the Old Course, which is half a mile away from the New Picture House. As for the ‘Cry Me a River’ singer, he is a well-known golf enthusiast and is rather well acquainted with the Old Course. He even participated at the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, where he played teed off alongside Justin Rose.
Now there is a new update on the tussle between these celebrities and the public. As per Scottish Sun. Fife officially stated, “The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing, and choice of materials; and it would protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
The plans submitted to revamp the venue were backed up by the owner of the cinema, as it was believed that T-squared would be a ‘fun, family-friendly’ destination for the area under one roof.
The duo will go ahead with their initial $2 million plan. They might keep only one cinema screen. Woods and Timberlake’s plan to install sports simulators will allow guests to play 100 courses from around the world and also explore football, rugby, cricket, and lacrosse. It is scheduled to stay open every day from 9 a.m. until midnight. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour extension will be maintained during the closing time.
via Imago
According to the Daily Mail UK, the pop singer and Woods were reportedly asked to preserve all the historic paintings present in the theatre. Many of the paintings are creations of the British painter Ada Hill Walker, famous for her flower paintings.
Once operational, the bar will have a capacity of 45–50 people. The plans to open the bar to the public are set for spring 2025.
Old Picture House is very near to the Old Course. Interestingly, Tiger Woods has won The Open here twice. But this year’s Open Championship, scheduled at Royal Troon from July 18, might face a little problem. Only 50 miles away from Royal Troon, the sight of the Open Championship might send St. Andrews fuming.
Interesting Fact: When the New Picture House opened, St. Andrews witnessed a competition between NPH and the Cinema House. Managers from both places continued investing in the best technology and upgrading their quality. They did this while the country faced economic depression.
However, what happened to the petition that was started against Woods and Timberlake’s plans?
How brutal was the petition against the Woods-Timberlake project?
One of the students at St. Andrews University, Johann Curry-Machado, initially gathered 2500 signatures on his petition. The number increased to 10,000, with more people joining the force to keep their over-90-year-old heritage untouched. According to the Courier, the petition stated, “The proposed transformation of the New Picture House into a luxury sports bar by T-Squared Social, an American company, is deeply alarming.”
They also went ahead and explained the possible repercussions of the proposal, along with the changes suggested. This included the reduction to a single screen and the introduction of golf simulators and cocktail bars. They thus announced, “Such a development is out of touch with the needs and desires of the local community and the student population.”
Interesting Fact: NPH featured its first show on December 22, 1930, for a musical titled No! No! Nanette.
Moreover, the petition also insinuated the urgency and desperation that the residents felt. Hence the calling, “Our culture, our heritage, and our community spirit are at stake. We must act now before it’s too late.”
There’s more to it. The B-listed cinema is a part of St. Andrews’ heritage, as the New Picture House has been around in the Scottish town for decades. Earlier, the Fife council did not give Woods and Timberlake the green light for the transformation, but now that has changed.
The Woods-Timberlake project will lead to more development and employment. With the new plans, it is estimated that the place will need 40-50 employees, which is much higher than the current 10. It is said that the current employees will be given the option to stay and continue their jobs.
