Blow as pub pulls out of town centre regeneration works

A major pub chain has pulled out of plans for Glenrothes town centre.

Marston’s plc has failed to reach an agreement with Easy Living Development, the firm behind the North Street proposals, following a disagreement over the number of available car parking spaces.

The pub was a huge part of the extensive regeneration plans for the town centre and news that Marston’s has walked away has been seen as a blow.

The decision follows months of negotiations between the two parties.

A spokesman for Marston’s said: “Parking may seem a small aspect but it is an important part of the overall experience for our customers.

“Therefore we made the decision not to take up the Glenrothes option and instead concentrate on our other development in Fife.”

Keith Davidson, chief executive of Easy Living Developments, said they will now make a fresh planning application for retail units in place of the pub building.

“We have had conversations with other pub chains and will continue to do so,” he said.

“However the new planning application, if accepted, will allow us to have a second option of further retail units for the site once we start the development proper.”

Mr Davidson said all other aspects of the development were going ahead as planned.

Work is finally due to begin next week on the refurbishment of Fife Council’s former social work office in South Street, which will be transformed into a new home for the Ciswo club.

The work should be finished by August and the Ciswo is likely to move in October.