Levelling-Up funding for Dunfermline welcomed

Last month, the City of Dunfermline was provisionally awarded £5 million by the UK Government for cultural projects as part of the Levelling-Up programme.

Today, (Thursday) Fife Council's Cabinet Committee discussed the eligible projects for this funding and plans to develop a long-term 10 year cultural investment plan.

Council Leader David Ross commented: "Levelling-Up funding will make a significant contribution to improving the long-term prospects of the city - securing its rich history and culture for generations to come.

"We’re working with local community organisations, businesses and the third sector on ambitious plans for Dunfermline’s social and economic future. Securing investment like this is a vital part of these plans.”

Councillors agreed the following priorities be considered for the funding:

• St Margaret’s House – renovations to develop new cultural space.
• Fire Station Creative – renovations to develop new/improved cultural space.
• Tower House - renovations to develop new/improved cultural space which will in particular support young people
• Dunfermline Learning Campus/Fife College performance plaza - create a new amphitheatre for outdoor performances by schools and College.

Added Cllr Ross: "We're learning from the success of other cultural cities and putting culture and creativity at the heart of Dunfermline's recovery and growth plans. This supports the city’s priorities of building strong and resilient communities and making the city a better place to live, work and visit."

Other projects, not included in the Levelling Up funding, but that will be considered as part of a ten year cultural plan for the City include:

• Development of Cultural City brand. Community engagement to develop cultural participation, performance, and new content.
• Renovation of the Carnegie Hall/Music Institute.
• Pittencrieff Park Development Plan – renovation of the Glen Pavilion and other projects and improvement to park features.
• City Arts trail, signage, and installations.
• Smart technology to enhance visitor experience e.g., Interactive maps, mobile apps to explore the city.
• Tower Burn trail regeneration.
• Refurbishment of the Town and Duloch Parks. Use of green corridors to link neighbourhoods with the City centre.
• Collaborative Cultural Initiatives.
• Street art and open air galleries. Improvements to streetscape quality in the City Centre.
• Virtual and augmented reality experiences to immerse visitors in the city's cultural heritage.
• Culinary experiences that reflect the city's diverse cultural influences.

The Levelling Up funded projects have to be delivered by March 2026.

Convenor of the council's City of Dunfermline Area Committee Cllr James Calder added: "TImescales are short, however we are committed to developing these projects  which will not only bring benefits to the city of Dunfermline but Fife as a whole.

"We’re also working with local community organisations, businesses and the third sector on ambitious plans for the City of Dunfermline’s social and economic future. Securing investment like this is a vital part of these plans.”