Transforming Kirkcaldy - Indoor and outdoor spaces for all seasons

The most popular option identified through public consultation is helping to shape a business case being developed by Fife Council for submission to the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade.

"A Space for All Seasons", which received the strongest support during consultation on the future of Kirkcaldy's waterfront and town centre, focuses on creating flexible indoor and outdoor spaces that can support community activities, events, culture and leisure opportunities throughout the year.

The approach explores how new facilities and public spaces on the waterfront could create more activity throughout the year, provide space for community events and activities, support culture, leisure and creative uses, and encourage more people to spend time on the waterfront.

A key feature of the vision is the area between Thistle Street and the Esplanade, which could provide opportunities for a range of events, activities and community gatherings, helping to create a vibrant destination that can be enjoyed year-round.

The approach also considers ways to improve connections between Kirkcaldy town centre and the waterfront. This could include acquiring land and removing vacant and underused buildings, including parts of the Mercat Shopping Centre, to create new public spaces, improve routes through the area and support future investment.

The preference for this approach emerged clearly during consultation, with residents highlighting a desire to see more activity and events, better use of the waterfront, attractive public spaces, opportunities for local communities, and a town centre where people want to spend more time.

Feedback gathered through the consultation is now helping to shape a business case built around three key priorities:

• Phase 1 of a new Esplanade Park
• Flexible indoor and outdoor spaces that can support community activities, events, culture and leisure opportunities throughout the year
• Acquiring land and removing vacant and underused buildings to improve connections between the town centre and waterfront and create opportunities for future investment

The business case is expected to be submitted to the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade at the end of October. Should funding approval be secured, the proposals would then be considered by councillors before any final decisions are made. A report is expected to be presented to councillors in the new year.

The emerging vision reflects the aspirations expressed through the consultation process and seeks to create a more active, connected and attractive waterfront that supports community life, cultural activity and future investment opportunities in Kirkcaldy.

You can find out more and keep up to date with what’s happening at our.fife.scot/transformingkirkcaldy