Published Date: Dec 10th, 2024
A range of improvement works have started in Inverkeithing town centre.
The work will deliver an overall upgrade of pavement and road surfaces, create more people friendly spaces and improve the setting of the town’s heritage assets. The town’s Mercat Cross is also undergoing conservation and repair work and will be moved into an upgraded position in the market square.
The streetscape works are part of the wider five-year Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration project that began in 2019. Over the past five years, Fife Council has worked with Fife Historic Buildings Trust and the local community to invest in Inverkeithing’s historic buildings and streets to support the town’s future.
The Inverkeithing Town House has been repaired and redeveloped, other historic buildings have benefitted from a building repair grant scheme and a varied heritage themed training and activity programme has been delivered for adults and young people.
Hillhouse Group is carrying out the streetscaping on behalf of Fife Council. Residents and businesses within the work area have been contacted directly. To help reduce disruption, the full site area has been sub-divided into work zones so that activity at any one time is localised.
Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Fife Council, Scottish Government and other funding schemes. The scope of works planned has expanded since it started in 2019 with up to £4.6 million now being invested in Inverkeithing’s heritage during the course of the programme.
Councillor David Barratt. Convener of the South and West Fife Area Committee said: “Like many towns today, Inverkeithing contends with a range of challenges including changing shopping habits. As a historic centre, it needs investment to tackle dilapidation associated with older buildings. To have a sustainable future the town needs to evolve and improve to attract both locals and visitors.
Inverkeithing has a large conservation area and many listed buildings. It has the potential for step change by making the most of its heritage and history. This work is helping to ensure we do that and support the town’s future.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland added: "We are committed to supporting heritage that contributes to communities and economies. Thanks to National Lottery players this streetscape work will deliver a welcoming environment that celebrates the historic heart of Inverkeithing."
Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support Inverkeithing’s transformation through our Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). The streetscape improvements, including the conservation of the Mercat Cross, reflect the culmination of five years of dedicated work to enhance Inverkeithing’s historic environment. By investing in its heritage, we can help create a more attractive town centre for local community and visitors alike, ensuring Inverkeithing’s rich history continues to inspire.”
