Fife Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to involve the local community with proposals to transform an area of the town.

In February 2014, a Kirkcaldy Charrette will be held to help plan the future land use for the Victoria Road, Nairn Street, Commercial Street and Smeaton Industrial Estate area.

The local authority hopes that the Charrette will help create a deliverable plan for the area for the next 20 years.

Councillor Lesley Laird said: "This is a really productive way to bring everyone involved in an area together to create a shared idea of how to move forward in their community.

"As part of the project, a series of design workshops will be held over multiple days next year.


"Local people will be able to discuss issues affecting their area, then create and agree a realistic way forward on how their area should be developed or changed. A design team will work directly with the local community and others to deliver this.

"I really want to encourage as many people from the community as possible to take the opportunity to get involved and help shape the future for this area of the town."

Councillor Neil Crooks added: "The Kirkcaldy Charrette will revitalise and breathe new life into this part of Kirkcaldy. Everyone in Kirkcaldy wants to see something done with this area and make best use of the land that's there. Transforming an area like this will take time over a number of years so it's not just about the council deciding what should be done or creating a plan in isolation.

"It's about bringing the community and everyone with an interest together to share ideas and issues, so it's vitally important that everyone - young and old - is involved.

"I'm looking forward to the Charrette next year and hearing from the community what issues are affecting the area as well as working together with landowners and local businesses to identify opportunities to create something positive."

(JP/IT)