The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Threat to factory rescue bid
HOPES THAT a historic linoleum factory in Kirkcaldy could be saved from the bulldozers have been dealt a blow, it has emerged.
The former Nairn’s Linoleum Works in Victoria Road/nairn Street has been earmarked for demolition after owners Scottish Enterprise failed to find a buyer for the crumbling building after more than 20 years of it being on the market.
As reported earlier this month, however, Historic Scotland had launched a lastminute bid to retain the factory, suggesting building repair grants could be used to fund regeneration of the building and querying the estimated figures given by Colliers International, which submitted the planning application on behalf of Scottish Enterprise.
With that in mind, it also questioned whether the plans met certain tests under Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) — namely if the proposal had proved the repair of the building was not economically viable and that it had been marketed at a price “reflecting its location and condition to potential restoring purchasers for a reasonable period”.
However, it is understood Historic Scotland has now indicated the proposals appear to have done enough to meet that particularly SHEP test – possibly paving the way for the structure to be torn down.
In a letter to Colliers, Steven Robb, heritage management team leader at Historic Scotland, said it acknowledged any scheme for the repair or reuse of the buildings would indeed result in a “substantial” deficit.
“We note that the figures clearly show that the project would be unviable, if the figures are indeed a ‘best case scenario’ for the development of the site.
“The availability of grant aid is clearly an important part of the SHEP test, as potential grant aid should be factored in when assessing the viability of the building’s repair.
“Having said this, we note that in this case the deficit is unlikely to be met by (historic buildings) grants alone.”
Figures outlined in March suggested there would be a £2.4 million deficit with a standalone conversion scheme.
Nevertheless, Mr Robb has still given those wanting to save the building something to cling on to.
“Although not the purpose of the application, the mothballing of the building would still be an option, especially as the test refers to the repair of the building, but we appreciate that a repair without re-use plan would be unsatisfactory,” he said.
In its response to the initial planning application, Historic Scotland said the A-listed building had “historical resonance within Kirkcaldy” and stressed demolition would be a last resort measure.
David Henderson, chairman of Kirkcaldy West Community Council, noted: “An eyesore for years, its very presence inhibiting redevelopment in Victoria Road and Nairn Street and the cost of the protective scaffolding are all factors to support this long awaited proposal.
“The request that more time is requested to explore other possible reuses for the building is a sad reflection of the opportunities missed in the past.
“We must move forward.”