£36,000 needed for repairs to the Fire Station

MORE than £36,000 is needed to preserve an 87-year-old Dunfermline landmark.

The building which currently hosts Fire Station Creative (FSC), an arts hub which has become essential to the city, was put in jeopardy earlier this year when render began to loosen from the facade.

Scaffolding has been obscuring the venue since July’s heatwave, when the sudden rise in temperature caused a panel of roughcasting to come loose.

Now, gallery curator Ian Moir, who says he has a “duty to preserve” the “indispensable cultural asset”, has submitted an application for funding, which is to be presented at next week’s City of Dunfermline area committee.

He says that brickwork is spalling, causing the render to loosen due to the age of the building.

Ian told the Press: “We’re grateful to have received guidance from Fife Council about the best routes to grant funding. While we must also consider the architectural integrity of the building, public safety is always our top priority, so the scaffold will remain in place for as long as we (FSC) can afford to keep it there.

“Meanwhile, we will endeavour to raise funds as quickly as possible and get the facade of the building fully repaired. The fire station has proven to be an indispensable cultural asset and I feel we have a duty to preserve it for future generations.”

A report submitted for consideration at the committee meeting outlines a request for a contribution of £36,212 of Dunfermline local community planning budget funding.

It reads: “With financial support, a roofing company will be commissioned to refurbish the entire facade of the building.

“This includes erecting scaffolding, removing loose rendering, and applying new roughcast to the walls.

“While public safety is the priority, the secondary aim is to keep the venue alive.

“FSC is a registered charity with insufficient funds to meet the costs of the renovation of the building.

“The charity is currently spending £240 per week on scaffolding.”

The full project will cost £36,212, with the papers suggesting sufficient funding was available within the budget should the contribution be agreed.

The render is currently being analysed and matched by the Scottish Lime Centre Trust in Charlestown, with repairs due to proceed once this process is complete, funding is in place, and planning consent is given.