Fife Council has slapped an enforcement order on contractors carrying out demolition work at the Kingdom Centre in Glenrothes after the partial collapse of a wall.

It stepped in after its inspectors found work had “gone beyond” what had been approved. It has also reported the matter to the Health & Safety Executive.

The action came after the wall inside the centre partially collapsed as work continued to bring down the former Co-Op at Albany Gate which has stood empty for many years.

Garry Nicholl, Fife Council service manager, said: "A member of staff from our building standards and public safety team visited the site and found that the work has gone beyond what was approved for demolition.

The damage to the wall in the Kingdom Centre (Pic: Submitted)

placeholder image — The damage to the wall in the Kingdom Centre (Pic: Submitted)

"An enforcement notice is being served on the owners of the Kingdom Centre requiring them to obtain the necessary consent to carry on with the demolition work and repair the existing building.” He added: “The demolition work is covered by legislation enforced by the Health & Safety Executive, and we have reported our concerns to them. Our environmental health team has also made contact with the centre management, who have confirmed that no asbestos was present in the affected area."

The owners of the shopping centre said the wall that came down was within the demolition area set up for ongoing regeneration works at Albany Gate.

They said: “The area had been fully secured and cordoned off in advance, and we are pleased to confirm that no members of the public, tenants, contractors, or staff were injured.

“As an immediate precaution, works has been temporarily paused while a full assessment is carried out by the project team and relevant specialists. After the assessment has been completed, we can assure that the area that was effected is now fully covered. The site remains secure, and public safety continues to be our highest priority.”

The work forms part of a wider regeneration programme aimed at removing long-vacant and deteriorated structures and improving the Albany Gate entrance to the shopping centre.

“We are looking forward to making it a place where everyone will be able to meet and make great memories,” the statement added. “We would like to thank our tenants, visitors, and contractors for their co-operation and understanding.”