Plans to breathe new life into Leven High Street are given cash backing

Ambitious plans to breathe new life into a disused building on Leven High Street have been given a cash boost.

Councillors on the Levenmouth Area Committee have agreed a contribution of £20,000 from the local community planning budget towards the project, which will see the former WH Smith building purchased, renovated and adapted for a range of different uses.

The building has lain derelict for almost four years after the book and stationery store closed.

Third sector charity Brag Enterprises is leading the initiative to buy the property for £210,000 and spend £140,000 fitting it out, funded through a £350,000 grant from the Scottish Government Town Centre Fund.

Once complete, uses including an escape room and indoor golf have been mooted, although the huge unit will also provide opportunities for useable meeting space, touchdown facilities and flexible community use space.

Committee members conceded the business plan will need further scrutiny, but were delighted to approve the funding to help the project progress and bring the prominent building back into use.

Community manager David Paterson said: “This approach has been supported by concerns raised over the years by elected members and local people about the problematic state of high streets, and their weakening ability to act as economic drivers for their respective areas.”

The current proposal will see Brag take full possession of the High Street property, but Fife Council will hold a standard security over the premises.

The former WH Smith building is to be refurbished.