Kirkcaldy has got the maximum £20million from the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund to kickstart its town centre and waterfront transformation. - and work will start next year.

The figure was formally confirmed by Rachel Reeves, Chancellor, as she delivered her budget in the House of Commons today.

The Lang Toun was one of only three places in the UK to get priority access to the £240million overall pot of funding, and it came away with the maximum investment. The funding will now be provided to Fife Council, which is leading the regeneration project.

Its masterplan will determine where and how the funding is spent, but there is a strong desire to get the maximum benefits from it - and also use its leverage to bring more investment from developers to have a truly transformational change on the town centre.

An aerial view of Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront set for a major transformation (Pic: Fife Council)

placeholder image — An aerial view of Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront set for a major transformation (Pic: Fife Council)

Melanie Ward MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, who has led the campaign to secure the funding, welcomed the announcement.

She said: “I’m delighted to have secured the maximum possible allocation of £20 million for Kirkcaldy in this Budget. This funding will allow us to take a major step forward in the much-needed regeneration of Kirkcaldy town centre, finally starting to open up the potential of our beautiful seafront.

“After years of SNP and Tory neglect of Fife, I’m proud that this landmark investment in our future is being delivered by our UK Labour government. I want to thank everyone in Kirkcaldy who has supported my campaign for change; from local organisations to the almost 700 residents who took part in my town centre survey. This announcement of £20 million for our town proves that politics and hard work really can make positive change happen."

The results from that survey have already been fed into the council’s masterplan which is being produced with the aid of two sets of consultants - they showed an overwhelming desire for change in the town.

Melanie Ward MP (right) at her meeting on Monday with Chancellor, Rachel Reeves (Pic: Submitted)

The issue of funding for Kirkcaldy town centre has been raised by Ms Ward over a dozen times in Parliament, and been at the heart of talks with senior Government figures. She met with the Chancellor just two days before her Budget presentation to make one final push for the maximum funding.

The news was also welcomed by Councillor David Ross, leader of Fife Council.

He said: “This is a significant milestone for Kirkcaldy and for Fife as a whole. As a council, we have long been committed to regenerating Kirkcaldy town centre and the waterfront, and this new funding will accelerate our plans to create a vibrant, inclusive and economically resilient town. We’re already progressing key projects, including the demolition of the Esplanade multi-storey car parks and the redevelopment of the former Postings site.

“We’ve been developing ideas based on feedback from our own engagement sessions and from local MP Melanie Ward’s consultation. We’ll be sharing more details with the community soon, as we work together to shape the next phase of regeneration.

“Together, we will transform Kirkcaldy into the thriving, modern town centre our residents deserve – one that creates jobs, supports businesses, and reflects the pride we all have in the Lang Toun.”