New jobs and new shops planned at Fife Retail Park

Artist impression of new shopping units at former Homebase site at Fife Central Retail Park, Kirkcaldy.

The proposals will also see over 200 jobs created at the shopping hub, owned by Hammerson.

The plans, unveiled this week, will see the former Homebase unit, which closed back in August, turned into five large shops, including a furniture store and a sports equipment shop.

This major investment will create up to 230 permanent jobs, with many more short term construction jobs, while generating £3m every year for the local economy.

Two new food outlets to be created at Fife Central Retail Park, Kirkcaldy.

Richard Haynes, director of Hammerson, said it was a tremendous opportunity to give the local economy a boost with new jobs, as well as increasing choice for shoppers.

As well as the five new shops, two new kiosk-style food outlets are also planned, which will be based within the car park area, which is also due an upgrade.

Within the series of improvements planned are changes to pedestrian crossings to make them better, removing congestion and improvements in vehicle access.

The facades of adjacent shops will also be enhanced to match the rest of the park.

At a public exhibition held in November, 97 per cent of people surveyed supported or strongly supported the proposed increase in range of shops in the retail park, 83 per cent gave their backing to the new catering units and 89 per cent approved of the proposed car parking arrangements.

“We are pleased that so many people took time out of their day to come down and see the plans and give us their support,” said Richard. “Fife Central has a really important role to play in the local economy, keeping people in Kirkcaldy rather than travelling elsewhere. We have listened to what local people have had to say and ensured our proposal will give people more choice of local shopping whilst complementing the town centre.”