Plan passed for former Co-op site

The site of a Glenrothes department store could soon become a car park.

Fife Council has approved plans that would see the derelict Co-op and adjoining Forum Hotel turned into parking spaces as part of plans to redevelop the area.

Under the proposals, both structures will be razed, creating parking spaces for approximately 63 vehicles on the vacant sites.

However, the car park plan is thought to be a stop-gap measure until a permanent use for the land can be found.

Fife Council planning officer Elspeth Cook said: “Although the buildings to be removed represent the early phases of the development of Glenrothes New Town, they are not listed or protected. They have deteriorated in the recent past and their removal is a consequence of this.

“As short-term temporary measures the proposals are acceptable.”

The former Co-op department store has remained empty for several years, having been the jewel in the crown of Glenrothes town centre when it opened in the 1960s.

Riddled with asbestos, the space has fallen into disrepair and been cited as a huge deterrent for the development of new leisure and retail units.

The space has long been considered key to regenerating the main shopping precinct, and there are hopes a leisure quarter will eventually be developed at the site.