Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake’s T-Squared Social has been granted permission to turn the New Picture House Cinema in St Andrews, Scotland into a sports bar that will feature state-of-the-art full swing simulators for golf, interactive gameplay, duckpin bowling, darts, and premium sports-watching with large format televisions. The planning application was approved by Fife Council, who stated that the real estate company Nexus Luxury, in which Woods and Timberlake are shareholders, would “protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.” The entertainment venue is set to open in the Spring of 2025 and is expected to offer between 45 and 50 full-time positions once fully operational.
When Woods and Timberlake initially announced their plans to open an entertainment venue in St Andrews, it was met with opposition from some residents. A petition was launched to ‘save the New Picture House,’ with over 12,000 signatures. The petition argued that converting the cinema into a sports bar would strip away a vital part of the town’s identity and history. St Andrews University student Johann Curry-Machado stated that the New Picture House has played an indispensable role in preserving the town’s heritage and converting it into a sports bar would be a grave mistake contributing to the gentrification of the town.
Despite opposition from some residents, the current owners of the cinema supported the idea of turning the building into a sports bar. They admitted that the New Picture House was no longer a viable stand-alone cinema operation and would have been forced to close soon. Planning documents also mentioned that T-Squared Social St Andrews will allow residents to experience a broader range of cinema, dining, and entertainment and will be crucial in securing a cinema offering for the future. The CEO of T-Squared Social, Christopher Anand, expressed delight in receiving permission for the proposal and stated that they listened to the residents and increased the number of screens, including retaining the main auditorium.
St Andrews Community Council member Neil Dobson voiced his opposition to the idea, stating that converting the cinema into a sports bar is disrespectful and out of keeping with the town’s unique identity. Dobson expressed concern that the town would be dominated by American golfers with nothing left for the children. However, T-Squared Social plans to work closely with Fife Council and the local community to deliver their scheme and ensure that a cinema offering can remain in the town for generations to come. The venue is set to open in the Spring of 2025, creating new job opportunities and offering a range of entertainment options for residents and visitors.
Overall, the transformation of the New Picture House Cinema into a sports bar by Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake’s T-Squared Social is a controversial project in St Andrews, Scotland. While some residents oppose the idea, citing concerns about the town’s identity and heritage, others support the plan as a necessary change to keep the venue viable. With planning permission granted, the entertainment venue is expected to open in the Spring of 2025 and will offer a unique experience with a combination of sports, interactive games, and cinema viewing. T-Squared Social aims to work closely with the local community to ensure the success of the project and contribute to the town’s entertainment offerings for years to come.
