Work starts to turn former Kirkcaldy bowling club into community hub

The group began work on site last week.

According to the YMCA, the site aims to “create a multifunctional building, designed for multi use and to give accessibility to all groups and members of the local and wider community.”

The development will include an extension to the main building and formation of community garden and a play area.

The site is next to Gallotown Bike Hub, and the southern bowling green is to be developed for use by Kirkcaldy Bike Club, with proposals  subject to a separate contract. 

Plans for the site were originally approved by Fife Council in May 2019 subject to the condition that the YMCA provided safe and secure cycle parking spaces.

Storage spaces have recently been installed.

The new extension to the former bowling club will consist of a function suite complete with commercial kitchen and servery, toilet facilities, a smaller suite to be used either for smaller groups or as a classroom, office and storage.

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It will take on a modern style with a material palette of timber effect cladding and render with a cantilevered roof element.

A vegetable garden will be formed using recycled railway sleepers and a new sensory garden will be created for those with specialist needs.

The development also comprises of new changing and shower facilities for two sports teams, complete with accessible facilities and provisions for referees and officials.

They have been designed  in line with Sporting Scotland guidelines and with a view to be used by Raith Ladies & Girls Football Team, and other community sporting groups.

A supporting statement from the Royal Incorporation of Archtects in Scotland stated: “The location of the site is a prime area within the community to promote and offer activities which improve physical health through improving the physical environment and increasing local people’s use of outside spaces.

“The new facilities are designed in response to a much needed brief given by Kirkcaldy YMCA and aim to give regeneration to a very deprived area through further support and encouragement to the local community.”

> Hannah Brown is the Local Democracy Reporter for Fife & Angus