Town’s regeneration continues with focus on former church

Fife Council seeks locals’ views on designs for St Andrew’s Church extension as well as new town square

From plooks to plaudits, Lochgelly has changed a lot over the last few years.

The town, which was once in the running for a Plook on a Plinth award, is the current holder of the prestigious title of Scotland’s most improved town.

The people of Lochgelly have worked tirelessly to put the heart back into their town, delivering many projects such as the very successful Lochgelly gala, and community shop.

Fife Council and Ore Valley Housing Group also remain committed to Lochgelly, investing significantly by creating new leisure and business opportunities as well as new housing.

Meanwhile, the Town House development site has seen 31 new flats built.

Now attention has turned to an empty kirk in the heart of the former mining town.

A few years ago the community were asked for their ideas on how they would like to see the vacant St Andrew’s Church used.

The response was an overwhelming “something for young people to do”.

Phase one of the refurbishment of the church, to create space for Fife’s regional indoor climbing and bouldering centre, is under way.

This includes an extension to the church so the building meets Mountaineering Scotland standards.

Proposed designs for the extension are now ready and Fife Council would like to invite the community to come and chat about them and provide feedback.

Once the church project is complete, work will begin on the new town square behind the church.

Again the council wants to hear local ideas about how it should look and what it can be used for.

There will be a drop-in event today, from 10.30am to 7.30pm, in the foyer of the Lochgelly Centre to celebrate achievements and look to the future.

Cowdenbeath area committee convener Linda Erskine said: “I’m delighted at how the community, Fife Council and the Ore Valley Group have worked together to achieve the changes in Lochgelly so far.

“There is the ambition and appetite to achieve more in the town with the remainder of the works to St Andrew’s Church and the development of the new town square.

“I’d urge as many people as possible to come along to the drop-in event.”

There is the ambition and appetite to achieve more in the town ... COUNCILLOR LINDA ERSKINE

The people of Lochgelly are being asked for their views on the ongoing redevelopment of the town.