High hopes that Kirkcaldy can achieve its goals

Town centre chiefs in Kirkcaldy have expressed renewed optimism that the Lang Toun’s long-term future looks rosy.

Councillors have been given an update on Kirkcaldy’s Ambitions partnership plan “Time for Action”, which is helping shape the town centre and surrounding areas, and a number of success stories were highlighted.

Projects include phase three of Kirkcaldy High Street works, the reopening of Charlotte Street, the refurbishment of New Volunteer House, the redesign of the Town Square, the opening of Adam Smith Close and Heritage Centre and improved parking facilities in the Esplanade multi-storey car park.

However, there are plenty more in the pipeline with work to remodel the Esplanade carriageway and improvements to the war memorial gardens ongoing, while the recent Festival of Ideas was also a success.

Also ongoing are the Kings Theatre group’s plans for a 2,000seat theatre and arts facility on the former cinema and YMCA site on the High Street, and plans for a cinema/leisure complex on the site of the old swimming pool.

Kirkcaldy area vice-convener Carol Lindsay said: “There’s no doubt that it has been a challenging time for Kirkcaldy town centre in recent years.

“The plan has steered us through the last five years and it’s pleasing to take account of the number of completed projects in the plan,” she added.

“Of course, there is always more to do and we now have the Kirkcaldy Town Centre Design and Development Framework which sets out our expectations in terms of creating a modern town centre.”

Bill Harvey, manager of Kirkcaldy 4 All, added: “The challenges facing both the town centre and wider Kirkcaldy district would be almost impossible for Fife Council to overcome on its own.

“On behalf of the town centre businesses, I look forward to working within the group to develop and deliver the refreshed ‘Time for Action’ Plan.”

Mr Harvey added that everyone had their “toes and fingers crossed” that the Kings Theatre and the cinema complex plan will come to fruition, describing the projects as “massive” for the town.