Plans for new Fife cinema approved

Plans have been approved for a cinema in Kirkcaldy

At a planning meeting last week, councillors agreed to give the green light to the ambitious new plans.

Kirkcaldy has been without a cinema since since 2000, when the ABC on the High Street closed down.

The new plans will see the old swimming pool location next to the Mercat Shopping Centre converted into an eight screen cinema with more than 1000 seats.It is expected the cinema and retail would create up around 100 full and part-time jobs.Development plans say that the building would offer an architectural landmark on the Esplanade.The report stated: “The first is the creation of a signature entrance tower which not only provides the main access to the building, but creates a landmark architectural feature which contrasts well with the adjacent blank elevations of the Mercat Shopping Centre and Esplanade car park.“The colourful and bright column would add interest to the street scene and be an attractive reference point in this location.“The second feature is the upper floor terrace accessible from the proposed food and drink outlets.

“This would provide activity and surveillance of the street, thereby enhancing the public realm and bring life back to the Esplanade at this location.“It would also take advantage of the attractive views over the Firth of Forth the location offers.”Four food and drink outlets have also been proposed in the plans, however, it is not believed there is currently an operator planned to run the cinema.