Kirkcaldy’s £20million: SNP push for detail on how town centre pot will be spent

SNP councillors this week pushed for more detail on how the UK Government funding will be divided up - and they also wanted clarity on what say elected members will have in the final decisions.

The Growth Mission Funding was secured by Melanie Ward, MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, with the town getting the maximum allocation.

It is to be used to generate transformational change to the town centre and waterfront, with Fife Council playing the lead role - but the masterplan it unveiled at recent drop-in sessions at the Old Kirk has come in for some criticism from residents, with plans for a new building, badged up as the Adam Smith Growth Works, under specific scrutiny.

It is seen as a landmark, multi-purpose facility designed to support enterprise, creativity, learning and community connection, and early suggestions indicate it could include flexible workspace, accommodation for start-ups and growing businesses, and a café.

But it came under fire for not delivering the priorities the public outlined in feedback and a survey delivered by Ms Ward.

At this week’s meeting of the full council, Councillor Carol Lindsay (Kirkcaldy North, SNP), asked if the business hub was an option or a preferred project.

“What assessment was made on existing town centre buildings rather than building something new?” she asked.

She continued: “We all welcome the £20 million Growth Fund investment - it is an opportunity for Kirkcaldy - but funding alone is not a plan. Simply hoping that demolition will attract developers is not enough. People will want to understand what is being done differently to ensure this investment delivers real change.

“There are still fundamental questions about governance, delivery and consultation that remain unanswered.”

Questions were also raised by SNP councillors Nicola Patrick, Rod Canavagh and Blair Allan on the role councillors play.

In response, Councillor David Ross, leader of the council, said there had been significant consultation so far.

“He added: “The outline of the bid and the grant funding is based one what we have all been asking for for years which does include a focus on a new build.

“I would like to see Esplanade have restaurant and event space elements as well as innovation and business, and the consultation will help to determine that. There is a lot of work going on, and some of the funding will go into further demolition - for example, part of the Mercat Shopping Centre which is obsolete, and other parts to create a real space where we can bring in private development.” He said clearing the site - which also includes the land occupied by the demolished multi-storey car parks and former swimming pool, opened up opportunities for private investment.

He also said there was a commitment to developing and greening the Esplanade.

“The Esplanade has been a positive development and well used, but it could be much better with better facilities. That is one approach we need to take in response to public consultation.”