New bid to bring former Poundstretcher premises in Kirkcaldy High Street back into use
New plans have emerged to bring a long closed shop in Kirkcaldy High Street back into use - almost a decade after its doors closed.
The new owners of the former Poundstretcher site want to transform the rear of the building - which stretches back to Thistle Street - with the creation of 10 flats, and carry out external alterations including new windows, doors, roof covering and cladding.
Raya Land Developments, based in Addlestone, Surrey, already has planning permission from Fife Council to sub-divide the ground floor at 66 High Street to ease the rates burden on any future operator.
This new bid represents a partial conversion of the property serviced from the rear of the site with the proposed conversion creating 10 new residential private apartments for rent.
A supporting statement said: “The design solution developed seeks to address the specific site constraints within the location providing an improved rear aspect to the property.
“The beachfront and Volunteer’s Green are only a few yards away from the site offering direct access to all the local amenities which include open space and leisure.”
The applicant said the development would provide “much needed residential accommodation” in the town centre, and added: “The development of this site is seen by the applicants as an opportunity to create a small-scale development. It seeks to aspire to make the setting better for people, by promoting high-quality inclusive design, improving the building outlook and environment whilst becoming an integral part of the wider setting.”
It noted a shortfall of parking spaces - to incorporate parking would require “substantial structural intervention” given the physical constraints of the site, and the applicant is seeking leeway from the council.
The doors to the former Poundstretcher shop shut in 2017 with the loss of nine jobs. The budget store had been in the town centre for around three decades, and more recently was joined by The Pet Hut. Closure came after the retailer said it could not agree suitable terms to renew its lease.
Despite a short lived bid to turn it into a kitchen and bathroom business, it has sat empty and is described as “in an extremely poor state of repair.”
The building has two upper floors which have been inaccessible for some 15 years.
Councillors will consider the application in due course.