THE BRIEF

Supporting planning approval for the sensitive redevelopment of a landmark listed building in St Andrews.

Orbit Communications was appointed by Scotsman Developments, part of The Scotsman Group, to deliver stakeholder and community engagement in support of proposals to transform Gibson House, on Argyle Street in St Andrews, into a new luxury hotel.

The proposals sought to secure the long-term future of the prominent B-listed building through its sensitive refurbishment and conversion, alongside new extensions, landscaped grounds and hospitality facilities. The £18 million investment will create a 96-bedroom hotel, including a bar and restaurant, generating around 100 construction jobs and 60 permanent jobs.

Our Approach

  • Developed and delivered a comprehensive stakeholder and community engagement strategy to support the proposals through pre-application consultation and the planning process.
  • Delivered two public consultation events, engaging proactively with the local community and key stakeholders, responding to feedback and helping build awareness and understanding of the proposals.
  • Built support for the development among local businesses and tourism stakeholders, demonstrating the benefits of the investment, the regeneration of an important listed building and the contribution a new luxury hotel would make to St Andrews’ visitor economy.
  • Delivered proactive media relations throughout the project, communicating key milestones and building a positive narrative around the investment, the future of Gibson House and the economic and tourism benefits of the proposals.
  • Worked closely with Scotsman Developments and the wider project team throughout a complex planning process, responding to local concerns and helping address issues around heritage, design, parking and the impact of the development on the surrounding area.

Outputs & Outcomes

  • Successfully engaged the local community and key stakeholders around proposals for a highly sensitive site within the St Andrews Conservation Area, adjacent to the historic West Port.
  • Helped build significant support for the principle of bringing Gibson House back into productive use and securing the long-term future of an important B-listed building.
  • Delivered positive media communications around the proposals and planning outcome, highlighting the scale of the investment and the economic, employment, heritage and visitor-economy benefits of the development.
  • Helped ensure the benefits of the proposals were clearly understood and communicated throughout a challenging planning process, including in response to concerns around heritage, design and parking.
  • Secured planning permission from Fife Council’s North East Planning Committee.