The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fife regeneration project hailed at design awards
Remarkable turnaround for Fraser Avenue in Inverkeithing
The regeneration of one of Fife’s most maligned streets has been commended by a prestigious award panel.
It is a remarkable turnaround for Inverkeithing’s beleaguered Fraser Avenue.
The bulldozers finally moved in last November, marking the start of a new era for the area.
Now 7N Architects have received a commendation from the judges in this year’s Saltire Society housing design awards.
It was called: “An exemplary approach to redeveloping one of Britain’s most deprived housing estates,” and judges said Fife Council and architects should be commended for thorough levels of community engagement.
Now in their 80th year, the awards celebrate excellence and achievement in Scottish house building and place-making.
The commendation was welcomed by Fife councillors.
Community and housing services convener Judy Hamilton said: “This is testament to all the hard work and dedication put into the Inverkeithing regeneration project, not just by the architects and council staff but also by members of the local community who have been fully engaged in the process.”
South West Fife area committee convener Alice McGarry applauded the amount of consultation with the community.
“You have to take people with you and I am delighted it has been recognised as a model of community engagement,” she said.
Rather than the dark tunnel effect the high blocks had on the area, it has now been opened up, making the most of spectacular views of the Forth and three bridges.
“Although people loved the street, because they loved their houses, because they were getting out of poorer conditions and it was a model in its time, it was still not an appropriate development for the area,” she added.
“Now it has taken advantage of its position.”
Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor Lesley Laird said: “This has been four to five years in the planning and while people were sad to see it going, I think there is a real realisation that after years people are seeing something is actually happening.
“The community shaped the design of the site and the great architects took suggestions on board and interpreted what the community wanted to see.
“It wasn’t just about bricks and mortar, it was about understanding what kind of place they wanted it to be.”
Now it has taken advantage of its position. COUNCILLOR ALICE MCGARRY