Last few blocks of flats to go at Fraser Avenue
THE final phase of demolition on Inverkeithing’s Fraser Avenue is now underway.
The transformation of the street – which began when the first properties were torn down in 2017 – has already seen around £17.5 million spent and just under 100 homes built.
It had once been in the top 15 per cent of most deprived areas in Scotland, the original three-storey common access flats were built in 1956, but now a third stage of work will create as many as 60 more energy-efficient affordable units for Kingdom Housing Association.
Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s housing spokesperson, said: “This phase will remove the last four blocks, making way for the third phase of new build development by the Kingdom Housing Association.
“Demolition should be completed by the end of January 2023, with the cleared site being handed over to Kingdom in the spring.
“They are currently working on plans for the third phase of social housing, likely to provide between 50 and 60 new homes by the end of 2024.”
Since the beginning of the project, which was given the go-ahead in March 2015,
190 tenants and residents of Fraser Avenue have been rehoused in the area, with many opting to move to the new properties on the cleared site.
“This has allowed many families to remain in the community, keeping children at local schools and preserving important social networks,” Cllr Hamilton continued.
“New homes on the Kingdom site and at Fife Council’s Spencerfields development have provided tenants with energy efficient, spacious and modern homes with private entrances and gardens.
“The redevelopment has also provided new shop units and two play parks, further transforming the area.”
The latest programme of works, which began on October 17, is expected to last for 14 weeks, with the initial period consisting of internal strip-outs of each block, 149-183, 185-195, 206-240, and 242-264 Fraser Avenue, followed by structural demolition.
A section of the road will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during this time, with access for cars via the M90 to the B981 or A921.
Some of the properties in Fraser Avenue were almost 70 years old and although community spirit in the area was always strong, due to low demand and high turnover of the 236 flats, the decision was made to demolish them in three phases, replacing the blocks with new, high-quality and sustainable affordable housing – 189 homes in total.
It’s being funded by Fife Council, Kingdom Housing Association and the Scottish Government, and also involves Campion Homes.