Information event for former Fife cinema
Locals are being invited to learn more about proposals for the former ABC Cinema building in Kirkcaldy at a public information event next month.
Fife Council, on behalf of the Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy Limited Trustees, is progressing proposals to demolish the former ABC Cinema and attached Ballroom, subject to the completion of legal agreements and receipt of all necessary statutory approvals.
The council previously secured up to £1.5 million from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) to support the work.
The public event will take place at the The King's on the Esplanade on Thursday, November 12 between 6-8pm.
The session will provide an update on the proposals, explain the next steps in the process and give members of the public an opportunity to ask questions and speak to members of the project team.
The former ABC Cinema has been a prominent feature of Kirkcaldy town centre for many years, and the event will allow local people to hear directly from those involved in developing the proposals.
It has sat unused since its doors closed in 2000, and it is now in a dreadful state of decay - the huge volume of pigeon guano alone makes it extremely hazardous to enter, while one side of the roof is now fully exposed to the elements.
The demolition promises to be a challenging operation as the cinema is wrapped around by flats with businesses below it, and sits directly above the The King’s on the Esplanade, which has already moved its 2026 panto to Linton Lane in anticipation of work starting.
Demolition could also take up to a year.
Originally opened in 1904 as the King’s Theatre, the building predates many comparable Scottish venues, and was a hugely popular cinema across many generations. It was converted to three cinemas and ceased operating in 2000, since when it has sat unused.
Paul Gallacher, Programme Manager with Fife Council, said: “We know the former ABC Cinema is an important building for many people in Kirkcaldy, and there is significant interest in its future.
“This event is an opportunity for local people to find out more about the proposals, understand the next steps and speak directly with members of the project team.
“We would encourage anyone who would like more information or has questions to come along and take part in the discussion.”
Anyone who is unable to attend but would like more information or has questions can email [email protected].