Plans to turn Fife hotel into hostel and community hub

The plans have been submitted by New Hope Community House Fife (NHCHF) which wants to use the Greenside Hotel primarily as a hostel, using the former hotel rooms to provide safe spaces for individuals affected by homelessness, substance abuse and/or mental health issues.

The individuals would then receive counselling and other services which would help them re-establish themselves in the community.

They would also be encouraged to enrol in programmes run by NHCHF, such as healthy cooking and financial management classes.

NHCHF’s long-term goals are to build a portfolio of three, four and five bedroom houses where residents who have enrolled in programmes, having engaged well with the service, will be housed in HMO encouraging independence and the security of continued support if required.

Residents will also have the chance to gain qualifications and receive support in finding work.

As well as the hostel plans, NHCHF also plans to use the hotel as a community centre.

The function suite and bar room area would be used to provide a community hub and network for residents living in Leslie, while the New Hope Community Church would run a foodbank from within the premises.

A separate entrance and exit means that those use the community hub would not have to enter the part of the building used for residential services.

A statement from the applicants says: “NHCHF aims to ensure that every person it supports is able to find and sustain a decent, permanent home, develop supportive relationships, and lead a fulfilling life. It aims to do this through a strategy of prevention, intervention, and recovery."

It adds: “The applicant is the only party to have made a realistic offer for the premises, and, given how long it has been marketed for, it is considered as unlikely that a party will come forward with an offer to continue the hotel use in the premises."

The NHCHF’s application has been submitted to Fife Council, and a decision on whether to approve or deny permission will be issued in the future.