The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Town house’ s future secure as civic hub
Atimely cash boost will see an at-risk civic landmark in Fife transformed into an active community hub.
The vision for the A-listed Inverkeithing Town House will now be possible thanks to a generous £475,000 grant to Fife Council from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
By enabling a local community organisation to take on the management of the building, repairing the fabric and making all the spaces more accessible and flexible, those behind the project believe it will be the perfect location for new events such as film nights and exercise classes.
It will also continue to offer space to established groups such as the community council and Inverkeithing Local History Society.
The building is a Common Good asset, stewarded by Fife Council, who have committed to leasing the building to a community-run management organisation.
Councillor Alice McGarry, area convener for the South and West Fife Area Committee, said: “This is more good news for Inverkeithing and its regeneration.
“This funding is going to help make local people’s vision for the Town House as a community hub a reality.
“It will also complement other investment being delivered as part of the regeneration programme.
“This includes major streetscape uplift in the High Street and the Market Square; a grant scheme for repairs to other historic buildings, and a wide range of training and education courses and activities.
“These are designed to improve heritage skills and knowledge for both adults and children.”
The project has been developed over time by Fife Council in partnership with local people, supported by Fife Historic Buildings Trust, as part of its flagship regeneration scheme for the town, which is now under way.
The scheme has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.
Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council’s economy, tourism, planning and transportation convener, said: “Inverkeithing has the potential for step change by making the most of its heritage, and this funding can help that to happen.”
Work at the Town House is expected to start later this year and take around a year to complete.