Kirkcaldy's £1.4m waterfront transformation given the go ahead

The £1.4m regeneration of Kirkcaldy waterfront, a decade in the making, could now begin as soon as spring 2019 after Fife Council this week granted the final funding.
Artist's impression of the £1.41 million Kirkcaldy Waterfont regeneration plan will look.Artist's impression of the £1.41 million Kirkcaldy Waterfont regeneration plan will look.
Artist's impression of the £1.41 million Kirkcaldy Waterfont regeneration plan will look.

The ambitious project, designed to connect Kirkcaldy’s waterfront back to the town centre by reducing the carriageway down to one lane each way, as been given the green light following the approval of the final £100,0o00 by Kirkcaldy Area Committee.

Included in the plans are the creation of unique public areas offering new business and leisure opportunities as well as creating disabled-friendly seafront viewing platforms.

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And with the potential for new cafes, pop-up businesses, and even a green gym, the plans have been described as “ambitious yet achievable” by committee convener councillor Neil Crooks.

The £1.41 million Kirkcaldy Waterfont regeneration plan could start as soon as Spring 2019.The £1.41 million Kirkcaldy Waterfont regeneration plan could start as soon as Spring 2019.
The £1.41 million Kirkcaldy Waterfont regeneration plan could start as soon as Spring 2019.

“Part of the culture of Kirkcaldy is a reluctance to take a chance, concentrating on the past rather than the future.

“This has been 10 years in the making by this area committee but prior to that people were progressing plans for the waterfront that I would describe as outrageous and unmanageable.

“But by cutting this regeneration plan up into slices we have something that can be achieved and I’d urge the public to get behind it.”

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A period of public consultation starts later this month and includes public displays and Q&A sessions, and will run until October.

It’s hoped this first phase of regeneration will in turn trigger a wider creative redevelopment of the esplanade creating a seafront attraction that will mirror in miniature what has already been achieved in Dundee and prove a boost to tourism.

Council officers have already given assurances that traffic flow along the Esplanade will not be disrupted while the construction work is carried out.

Work will also be halted during the busy Christmas period and during the annual Links Market.

A formal planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.