Post-pandemic regeneration masterplan for Glenrothes unveiled

An ambitious post-pandemic regeneration plan for Glenrothes over the next decade has been revealed.

The Glenrothes Masterplan, which lays out a number of medium and long-term initiatives to breathe new life into key locations in the town centre, has been formally laid out by Fife Council in a 42-page blueprint.

Its authors, planning consultants Halliday, Fraser, Monro, spotlight the commercial development opportunities and regeneration potential of a number of town centre sites, as well as ways to increase potential for leisure and the development of a nighttime economy.

The report also sets out a desired image of central Glenrothes by 2030 as a vibrant and sustainable local community, boasting an improved night-time economy, enhanced green public spaces, and providing more residential developments within the town centre.

The plans also set out the need for Glenrothes to maximise its current assets such as its town art heritage and greenspaces such as Riverside Park, as well as to build upon commercial redevelopment already undertaken on North Street.

Gordon Mole, the council’s head of business and employability, said the impact of the pandemic on Glenrothes, while extremely difficult and challenging, had also presented a “unique opportunity” to reshape the town centre over the next decade.

He added: “The plan gives us a framework to focus on creating environmental improvements and exemplifies the best of emerging 21st Century town centre practice.”

Among the key sites earmarked for attention are the former police station site in Napier Road, a regeneration of the dilapidated Albany Gate and eastern end of the town centre, an enhancement of the area around the Kino Cinema, the former Kingdom House site – demolished in 2020 – and the former Glenrothes House site on North Street.

In addition, new ways to link natural assets such as Riverside Park to the town centre would unlock potential for economic improvement, according to the masterplan, as well as improving walking routes to encourage active travel.

Councillor Fiona Grant, convener of Glenrothes Area Committee, said: “Seeing all the changes in the town centre over the last two years, and knowing there could be greater improvements to come, is very good news.”

A progress report is to be presented to councillors later this year, with annual updates also planned.

An artist’s impression of future homes at the site of the former police station.

Regeneration of Albany Gate is proposed.

TRANSFORMATION: A major masterplan has been put forward for Glenrothes with an ambitious vision of what the town centre could look like, including the area around the Kino Cinema.

Artist’s impression of how improvements to the area from Fullerton Road to Riverside Park could look.