Let's talk about how we re-start Kirkcaldy after lockdown

Residential, retail and recreation - the three pillars that will support the High Street of the future.

But how do we start again after the coronavirus lockdown?

The pandemic has changed everything.

We have lost some businesses, and the reality is we will lose more. Not all doors will re-open once this hellish virus has abated.

And, individually, we may emerge with very different routines and priorities.

What was once important may no longer feature in our daily lives as we learn to live with social distancing for some time to come, and find new ways of connecting with our community.

The raw data of the pandemic is startling.

Retail activity has plummeted by 81 per cent across the UK.

Kirkcaldy’s figure has shifted from 78 to 76 per cent, according to Google’s data tracking.

The number of commuters has dwindled to just a handful, and the doors to offices, factories, showrooms and schools remain closed.

Bringing Kirkcaldy out of lockdown is going to be a huge challenge.

Last week we called for a civic conversation on exactly how to do about it.

It stands at a crossroads.

Kirkcaldy4All has ceased operations, and the pandemic has changed the landscape, possibly forever.

Over the coming weeks, the Fife Free Press will be opening its columns to business leaders, workers, community activists and groups to have theitr say on how we emerge from lockdown, and what needs to be done to get the town up and running once more.

Your voices will help shape where Kirkcaldy goes from here.

To join our civic conversation email me at [email protected]I’d love to hear from you.