Kirkcaldy waterfront plans up for public say

Councillors want to replace the dual carriageway with one lane each way, add parking facilities and improve the connections between the Esplanade the town centre.

Work on the £1.4m project starts next Spring, but the views of local folk will help to shape the final planning application which will be submitted later this year.

The blueprint also includes more on-street parking near the leisure centre which, ironically, was built on top of the old Tolbooth Street car park despite strong public opposition.

It also offers pop-up spaces for businesses to create outlets on the waterfront, viewing platforms across the Forth, and the opportunity to make much better use of the outdoor spaces around the buildings.

The plans come after Charlotte Street was re-connected to the Esplanade last year, and just days after 3000 people flocked to see the Beach Highland Games staged on the sands opposite The Mercat Shopping Centre.

Councillors and a host of groups, including Kirkcaldy4All and Kirkcaldy’s Ambitions, believe the waterfront remains the town’s most under-used asset.

Councillor Neil Crooks, convener of Kirkcaldy Area Committee, said: “This means that the waterfront would be able to offer outdoor seated areas, be available for pop-up businesses and as spill out areas for larger venues such as the YW or the Kings Theatre.

“Multi-purpose viewing platforms will allow people to safely enjoy the views of the waterfront and provide easier access. The platform areas will also be ideal for pop-up attractions such as coffee kiosks.”

Local folk and groups can comment on the plans from at www.fifedirect.org.uk/waterfront between September 24 and October 8.

They can also been seen in the Mercat. Project staff will be on hand in Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre on Wednesday and Thursday, October 3-4 to discuss them in detail.