Next phase of Kirkcaldy waterfront regeneration to begin

The next phase of the Kirkcaldy waterfront regeneration project will begin next week (w/c 11 July). The work is being carried out by local contractor, Gilmartins.

The project continues on from the work completed between Merchants House and Tolbooth Street and is the next step of the £1.6m Council and Scottish Government Place Based Investment-funded project to better connect the waterfront and the town centre as part of wider efforts to regenerate Kirkcaldy town centre.

The next phase of work will focus on linking the High Street to the waterfront down Charlotte Street and Nicol Street. Natural stone finishes will be used to match the existing streetscape on the High Street and those used in phase 1 of the waterfront works. Along with the streetscape work, we’re also planning to hold a consultation for Volunteers Green. It’s hoped that the work on Volunteers Green will begin once the streetscape works are finished.

Cllr. Ian Cameron, who took over from Neil Crooks as Convener of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee following the council elections in May, said: “As we’ve said before, over time the town centre has turned its back on the coastline, but this project will once again capitalise on one of the town’s greatest assets – its views across the Forth.

“The first phase of work included a new road layout between Tolbooth Street and High Street junction reducing the Esplanade to a single two-way road with the remaining space providing on-street parking and features to encourage more use of the outdoor space around key building such as the Kings Theatre. Pedestrian crossings at key points along the new single carriageway provide more pedestrian and cyclist friendly access to the waterfront and High Street. Accessible viewing platforms allow everybody to enjoy the views across the Forth and access the waterfront

“Feedback on phase 1 has been very positive and supportive of the plans to further develop the waterfront so that we can help it reach its full potential and continue to attract investment in the town and provide an attractive waterfront for residents and visitors.

“We hope the improvements, which I’m delighted to say are being carried out by the Fife contractor, Gilmartin, will encourage more use and give better opportunities to create a bustling waterfront with a retail offering, events and information on the views across the Forth.”

This phase of work is scheduled to take one year to complete, and Fife Council will look to work with neighbouring properties during the disruption.