Eight-screen cinema plan for Kirkcaldy to be decided next week

Multi-million-pound development at site of former swimming pool could breathe new life into town

Multi-million-pound proposals for an eight-screen cinema on Kirkcaldy Esplanade will go before councillors for determination next week.

Mercat owners LaSalle Investment Management have submitted plans for the site of the town’s former swimming pool, which has been demolished.

The planning application also includes four food and drink outlets.

If given the go ahead by members of the central and west planning committee on Wednesday, the development will have the potential to breathe new life into Kirkcaldy town centre which has suffered a downturn in fortunes in recent years with a number of high-profile store closures.

The town has been without a cinema since the ABC closed in 2000 and people have had to travel to Dunfermline, Glenrothes or Leven to see the latest releases.

LaSalle initially unveiled its ambitious plans almost three years ago and a public consultation confirmed overwhelming public support.

However, it is understood the company has yet to pin down an operator to run the cinema.

Fife Council planning officers have recommended approval of the application for the four-storey building subject to a number of conditions, including that the cinema must only operate between 9am and midnight.

Case officer Martin Patrick said the entrance would be both via the Esplanade and from a walkway between the Mercat and the two multi-storey car parks.

The walkway would be widened and refurbished to create an attractive entrance, he said.

“The applicant’s plans show the potential for future retail units but these do not form part of the current proposal,” he said.

“The second storey would accommodate restaurant/bar/food and drink units and include an outdoor terrace on the east elevation overlooking the Firth of Forth.

“The further two storeys would accommodate the cinema screens and other storage and maintenance facilities.”

Mr Patrick added that the development would be a “prominent landmark building” on Kirkcaldy’s waterfront.

He said it would address the vacant and derelict site, increase economic activity and provide jobs and leisure opportunities in the town.

“This would be of considerable benefit to local retailers and businesses, as well as residents of the town and further afield,” he said.

“This would be of... benefit to local retailers and businesses, as well as residents of the town. CASE OFFICER MARTIN PATRICK

Picture: Tina Norris. The old swimming pool in Kirkcaldy.