Demolition of historic town building ‘the right decision’

No one prepared to buy building which is ‘blight on the landscape’

A historic Kirkcaldy building faces the wrecking ball once again after councillors reluctantly agreed to its demolition.

Members of Fife Council’s central area planning committee approved plans for the Victoria Power Station to be razed following years of uncertainty over its future.

George Kay, who had previously stated his desire to see the building removed to allow new development at the site on Victoria Road, said Kirkcaldy would benefit from yesterday’s decision.

“I really think that the right decision has been taken,” he said.

“The loss of a category B-listed building is something to be regretted.

“The decision which has been taken is part of Kirkcaldy moving on as the building has been a blight on the landscape for 18 years.

“It would have been good to see a worthwhile development coming in, however the truth of it is that no one actually wants to buy it and make it into a new development.”

The building was designed for Kirkcaldy Corporation Tramways by local architect William Williamson.

Opened in 1903, the facade onto Victoria Road was detailed in an Edwardian Baroque-style, commonplace at the time but now increasingly rare in the town.

Previously, its preservation had been deemed important by Fife Council planning officers, despite the poor state of the rest of the structure.

The saga over its future has been a source of contention for several years, with councillors previously allowing the power station to be demolished to make way for a nursing home.

However, after this fell through the owners, United Investments, attempted to sell the building for £1, with any purchaser asked to incorporate the building’s historic frontage into any development.

With no takers, demolition plans were once again put before the committee, leading to yesterday’s decision.

Admitting that he would be sad to see the building torn down, Tom Adams, committee chairman, added: “I felt like the facade could have been saved but nobody wanted to do it.

“It means we were left with no choice really but to have it knocked down.”

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Councillors have agreed, with a heavy heart, that the former Victoria Power Station should be demolished.