New housing plan revealed for former Kirkcaldy car showroom

A planning application for the first phase of construction on the former Curtis Motors site in Victoria Road has now been submitted to Fife Council.

If approved, it would transform the street level frontage and provide 24 new mid-priced apartments for the rental market.

Kirkcaldy-based architects David Baxter Partnership (DBP) hosted a public information event this week which allowed the public to see for themselves the complete plan for the site that will generate a mix of 63 affordable apartments, two-bedroom houses and a number of cottage style homes.

Christine Stewart from DBP said public response had been “extremely encouraging”.

“The feedback to the designs and the overall redevelopment proposal has been very supportive, especially from residents living within close proximity,” she said.

“It’s clear from what we have witnessed that people want to see something positive happen to a site which has lain vacant for several years.”

And she added that it was important to give the public a perspective of how the finished site would look.

“Our three dimensional artist’s impression gives people an idea of just how the finished development will transform the whole aspect of one of the busiest roads in the area,” Christine explained.

“As part of the proposal we’ve taken account of the existing red brick Victorian buildings in Victoria Road and produced a design which we feel ties in and complements these surroundings.”

To date the application have received just one letter of objection.

With demolition warrants already secured and initial ground tests complete, it’s understood that those behind the project - James Property Limited - could have the first phase competed in just six months once the green light from planners is received.

The former car showroom - previously home to Vauxhall dealership, SVL - was hit by a fire in 2009.

It has been boarded up for many years and, with gradual dilapidation, the vacant building had been regarded locally as something of an eyesore.

James Property Ltd has since acquired all the connecting pieces of land except that of the former kitchen and bathroom showroom building, which they are currently in negotiations to secure.

Should that acquisition be achieved, the first phase of construction would increase the number of flats to 30 and the overall site composition to 69 dwellings of various designs as well gardens, landscaping and car parking.