New study to look behind ‘to let’ signs and Kirkcaldy town centre’s high vacancy rate

The Vacant Shops Academy has been engaged by Fife Council to carry out the work which began this week by addressing the new Kirkcaldy Property Network group which brings together business owners and property professionals and aims to raise awareness of local developments and investment opportunities.

Iain Nicholson founded the academy which has worked with councils and businesses in towns and cities across the UK.

He spent time in the Lang Toun before meeting guests at the networking meeting which included representatives from the local authority, third sector , Adam Smith Global Foundation, and local businesses.

The long term aim of the project is to develop a clearer understanding of vacancy levels and the factors contributing to them, and to help improve the overall mix of businesses and uses within the town centre.

Hopes are high, it can have a positive impact on Kirkclady where our town centre has a higher vacancy rate than the national average.

Colin Miller, who founded Kirkcaldy Property Network, said: “We have seen the national trends where a lot of town centres are suffering with the growth of online shopping and retail parks.

“But every town is also unique and has its own challenges and opportunities.

“The meeting was very positive and I was delighted with the turnout. We had business owners and people interested in bringing business to the town - it’s all about creating connections.”

Over the coming months, the academy will build up the clearest picture yet of the town centre - and it hopes to get inside some of the empty properties to assess the state they are in, and which ones could even be sub-divided.

It will look at who owns what, and engage residents and businesses to understand what the town centre already offers, what is missing, and what types of businesses and services people would like to see - and that includes pop-up ventures, leisure, heritage, health and wellbeing opportunities, not just retail.

And looking above eye level, the town has a host of empty upper levels which could be converted into residential accommodation, but only if access issues at many buildings can be resolved.

There is optimism that the work could help halve the town’s vacancy rate within 18 months - if so, that would have a significant, and positive impact on the High Street area.

“It's not just about filling vacant properties – it's about creating a more vibrant, attractive and resilient place for businesses, residents and visitors alike,” said Colin. “The consultants carrying out the work have helped towns across the UK achieve significant reductions in vacancy rates, even in challenging market conditions. The evidence is clear – it can be done.”

The work comes as the council forges ahead with its framework for the wider transformative change to the town centre and waterfront, with £20million of UK Government funding to be investment on key projects - once its business case is signed off.

A spokesperson said: “Our Town Centre Development service has commissioned The Vacant Shops Academy to undertake a project focused on addressing commercial vacancy rates in Kirkcaldy town centre.

“The project is at a very early stage, having only started on Monday. Its long-term aim is to develop a clearer understanding of vacancy levels and the factors contributing to them, and to help improve the overall mix of businesses and uses within the town centre. This is a partnership-based approach, drawing on the academy’s established method of “audit, engage, encourage, promote”. The work will be supported by hands-on input from the council, alongside direct and positive engagement with local landlords, agents and other key stakeholders.

“More broadly, this work is part of our ongoing efforts to support a resilient and adaptable town centre, in partnership with local stakeholders.”