Local people, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders have taken part in surveys, drop-in events and conversations during the last year, influencing the direction of the future of Kirkcaldy. 

The feedback gathered is helping to shape the long-term plan for Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront and the £20 million UK Government Growth Mission Fund project.

The Growth Mission Fund business case is being developed around three key areas of focus, based on community feedback:

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

By the end of October, the business case will be submitted to the UK Government. Subject to approval, it will then be presented to a future council committee meeting for a decision on the proposed investment.

Work is also proceeding on the long-term plan for Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront. 

Feedback from local people and organisations is helping to influence the plan, which will set out a shared vision for the future of the town. 

Next month, the final plan is anticipated to be completed. The plan will then go before councillors in the new year for approval. 

Once approved, it will then influence future investment, development and regeneration in the town centre and waterfront.

Councillor Ian Cameron, convener of Kirkcaldy Area Committee, said: “We’ve heard from people of all ages and backgrounds, and their feedback is helping to shape both the long-term plan for Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront and the Growth Mission Fund project.”

“People told us they want better public spaces, more things to do, stronger links between the town centre and waterfront, and opportunities that encourage more people to spend time in Kirkcaldy.”

Cameron added: “We’re now taking those views forward as we develop a business case for the Growth Mission Fund project.”