Eden Campus recommended for support through Tay Cities Region Deal
The University of St Andrews has welcomed the recommendation by the Tay Cities Region Joint Committee to support the progression of the Clean Growth Co-location Programme through the Tay Cities Region Deal process, marking an important milestone in the continued transformation of the former Guardbridge paper mill into a nationally recognised centre for innovation, sustainability and industry collaboration
If approved through the next stages of development, the project would support further growth at Eden Campus, creating new opportunities for businesses, researchers and innovators to work together on the technologies and industries that will shape a more sustainable future.
Building on a decade of transformation
Over the last decade, Eden Campus has been steadily evolving into a thriving innovation ecosystem that brings together world-leading research, specialist facilities and ambitious industry partners. What was once a major industrial site has become a place where new ideas can be developed, tested and translated into real-world impact.
Selection of images from across the Eden Campus
The proposed investment builds on substantial support already secured from the University and a range of public, private and philanthropic partners, reinforcing confidence in the long-term vision for the campus and its role within Scotland’s innovation landscape.
Creating space for innovation to grow
One of the biggest challenges facing emerging technologies is moving beyond research and into real-world application. While groundbreaking discoveries often begin in laboratories, they need the right environment to be tested, refined, and demonstrated at scale.
The proposed next phase of development at Eden Campus aims to help bridge that gap by creating the conditions for businesses and researchers to work side-by-side, accelerating the journey from innovation to implementation.
By strengthening the campus’s capacity to support applied development and demonstration activity, the project would help attract new collaborators and create opportunities for ambitious companies looking to engage with the University’s research strengths.
Supporting the industries of the future
The proposals build on Eden Campus’s growing reputation as a hub for clean growth and sustainable innovation.
Areas of focus include low-carbon energy systems, hydrogen technologies, sustainable chemicals, carbon utilisation and sustainable aquaculture. Together, these activities reflect the University’s commitment to addressing some of society’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges through innovation and collaboration.
The proposed development would further strengthen Eden Campus’s role as a real-world demonstration environment, where different technologies and systems can be brought together, tested and refined in practical settings.
Benefits for Fife and beyond
Alongside supporting cutting-edge innovation, the project is expected to create wider benefits for the region by helping to attract investment, support high-value jobs and strengthen connections between research, industry and skills development.
The proposals would help ensure that more innovation activity can be developed, tested and scaled within the region, strengthening Fife’s role in Scotland’s growing clean growth economy and creating new opportunities for collaboration between businesses, researchers and local communities.
Looking ahead
While there is still significant work ahead as the project progresses through the next stages of development and approval, the recommendation marks an important milestone for Eden Campus and the University of St Andrews.
It represents continued confidence in the vision that has guided the campus’s transformation over the past decade: creating a place where research excellence, industry collaboration, and sustainable innovation come together to deliver lasting impact for Fife, Scotland, and beyond.
About the Tay Cities Region Deal
The Tay Cities Region Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic, and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife, and Perth & Kinross under the headings Inclusive Tay; Innovative Tay; International Tay; Connected Tay and An Empowered Tay.
The Scottish Government and UK Government will each invest up to £150 million in the Tay Cities Region Deal over 10 years, subject to final approval of robust business cases.
As of 30 September 2025, over £232 million of Government has been approved by Governments and the Partnership for investment and over 5,300 jobs have been created. This central investment from both Governments has the potential to lever in £400 million of investment over 15 years, of which more than £258 million has already been secured by Projects.
Full and further information on the progress the Deal has made to date on securing investment and jobs, can be found within the Annual Performance Report located on the Tay Cities Region Deal website – https://www.taycities.co.uk/publications.