Housing could be set to replace Tullis Russell site.

glenrothes: Construction firm Advance sees potential for mixed use development

Ambitious plans that could bring hundreds of new homes to the site of a former paper mill in Fife are to be unveiled.

The Courier has learned Bellshillbased Advance Construction has lodged a proposal of application notice to Fife Council announcing its intention to create a residential-led mixed use development on the old Tullis Russell site between Glenrothes and Markinch.

Tu ll is Russell went into administration in April 2015, with a total of 374 employees made redundant in the process, but the building firm behind the exciting new blueprint for the mill site says it hopes to give the area a new lease of life.

New housing is expected to be at the heart of a masterplan for the site, but Barton Willmore, the Edinburgh firm acting as agents for Advance Construction, has indicated the site could also be home to retail and leisure features, employment and business space, industrial units, parkland and open spaces and a new care home.

A spokesman for Advance Construction said it was “too early to say” how many homes have been envisaged but confirmed the number will run into the “hundreds” given the size of the site.

“We’re working with the planners on a mixed use development which we believe will enhance the north Glenrothes area,” he added.

Two informal drop-in events have been organised at the Rothes Halls next month to give members of the public their first look at the proposals.

Representatives from Advance Construction and their project team will be in attendance from 1 to 8pm on December 7 and 8 to explain the plans, discuss the project with the community and respond to any questions raised.

Colin Lavety, from Barton Willmore, has written to North Glenrothes Community Council and Markinch Community Council seeking their engagement as part of the plans, and has also written to the area’s councillors asking them to attend a separate briefing.

“We do recognise that this is a large and complex site which is likely to attract significant public interest and therefore an opportunity to meet councillors to discuss the project would be appreciated,” he added.

An opportunity to meet councillors to discuss the project would be appreciated. COLIN LAVETY