Leven Town Centre emerges from ‘challenging period’

Leven Town Centre emerges from 'challenging period'

An aerial view of work going on around the new Leven station and the Bawbee Bridge, with the temporary bridge visible in front

Fife Council has outlined the efforts being made on several fronts to ensure a brighter future for Leven Town Centre after with it described as “an extremely challenging period”.

Two large fires in the High Street in November have had a lasting impact, with the first leading to the demolition of the former Poundstretcher building and the need for safety measures to be put in place around the site.

Roadworks on and around the Bawbee Bridge have also caused traffic delays since last July, as a range of utility companies carried out diversion works ahead of the A955 Leven Rail Bridge’s planned replacement.



Leven Town Centre emerges from 'challenging period'

The former Poundstretcher site and the remaining sections of wall

However, progress is being made on a number of issues and the outlook is far more positive heading into the coming weeks and months.

  • Fife Council has reaffirmed its commitment to seeking the re-alignment of the hoardings at the Poundstretcher site as soon as possible, with officers in frequent dialogue with building owners, insurers, and demolition contractors.
  • The demolition contractor is due to be back on site this week to remove remaining debris, and Fife Council is pushing for a vital structural assessment on the remaining sections of wall - the results of which may enable the hoardings to be at least pushed back to the original building line - to be carried out expeditiously.
  • Plans are already in place to landscape that ‘gap site’ for community use when the safety measures are removed, while councillors will be asked to approve a £315,000 funding package in the next couple of weeks for High Street improvements.
  • There’s also respite on the horizon in relation to roadworks after Network Rail confirmed that a temporary bridge over the River Leven will come into use in early May, meaning demolition and replacement work on the A955 Leven Rail Bridge can then be stepped up.
  • Work due to take place on the Iron Brig, which would have necessitated the closure of Sawmill Road/Elm Park from its junction with Methilhaven Road to its junction with Leven Vale from April 3, will not take place until the temporary road is in place to minimise disruption.

Councillor Colin Davidson, convener of the Levenmouth Area Committee, said: “We’ve all faced an unprecedented set of circumstances over this past year and once again I’d like to thank people for their patience and forbearance throughout.



“The power of the council only extends so far, but rest assured we’re all working hard with a range of individuals, organisations and third parties to get routes open and people moving more freely in the town centre.

“Everyone is looking forward to the rail link coming in and benefits that will bring, but while that work continues our focus just now is getting Leven back to normal.

“It’s important that when we do open up again fully people can see a difference.”

Leven Town Centre emerges from 'challenging period'

(from left) Gillian McLauchlan, lead professional surveyor (building standards and public safety); Pamela Stevenson, economic development service manager; Dave Paterson, area community manager; David Grove, lead officer (town centre development); Kenneth Imrie, local community planning officer; Councillor Eugene Clarke, vice-convener of Levenmouth Area Committee; Colin Davidson, combined services team manager; Councillor Colin Davidson, convener of Levenmouth Area Committee; Inspector Matt Spencer, Levenmouth community inspector

The demolition site is currently being managed by the owners and the contractor but Fife Council is continuing to work with all parties to make sure that all the requirements of the Dangerous Building Notice are fulfilled and that all public safety issues are resolved.



The £315,000 is capital investment from the Scottish Government-funded Place Based Investment Programme. This will be one of several projects to be considered at Cabinet Committee on April 6, including a Fife-wide Town Centre Building Improvement grant which Leven town centre businesses will be eligible for.

The temporary bridge over the River Leven, which will have an 18-tonne weight limit similar to the existing Bawbee Bridge, will be able to take two-way traffic with no need for traffic lights.


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