The decision to close Marine Place, located just off North Street, has been made by its operators and owners due to upcoming sustainability and accessibility regulations that housing association properties must meet or exceed.

Bield Housing and Care has written to all eight remaining tenants explaining that it will work with them over the coming year to find suitable new homes at its nearby developments in St Andrews, Elie and Crail.

Liz Peacock, head of development and sustainability at Bield, said: “We recognise that Marine Place has provided a lovely setting for our tenants to make their home – and that any move can be difficult.

“We’ve had to take this very difficult decision as we must plan for the future. We constantly review our properties and it is clear that Marine Place cannot meet the stringent new changes in standards that we must adhere to.

“Changes in technology, the way housing is constructed and the expectations of the ever-growing older population all continue to move at pace - meaning we have to look differently at the buildings and homes we operate. As a result, we have agreed to sell each of the 15 properties at Marine Place, with the proceeds reinvested into our homes.

“We will work with each remaining tenant on an individual basis. Some will be able to move to our newest development in the town, Malory House, while others may be able to move to homes run by us in nearby towns and villages. We will also work closely with the local authorities and other housing associations should these options not work for any individual.

“The wellbeing of our tenants remains of paramount importance to us and everything is being done to make sure the process is as smooth and unobtrusive as possible.”

The building will not close until September 2023 – as Bield wants to ensure all tenant moves can be facilitated over a 12-month period. It has also pledged to assist tenants to move to their new homes and help with packing, removals and unpacking.

Malory House in St Andrews will be one of the developments available to tenants - a spacious, newly-built high-spec collection of homes - able to fulfil requirements for both the present and future.

All tenants have been advised of the closure via a letter with a consultation meeting scheduled for September 2022 to discuss the decision. Additional meetings will be scheduled every eight weeks to ensure regular updates are provided.