Report No. 558
FIFE COUNCIL
Central Area Services Committee
19th August 2005
Agenda Item No. 8
KIRKCALDY RENAISSANCE PROPOSALS FOR THE HIGH STREET
1
Introduction
1.1
The rejuvenation of Kirkcaldy Town Centre is a key action in Fife’s
Community Plan, A Stronger Future for Fife. Within the town centre,
Kirkcaldy Renaissance has highlighted rejuvenation of the High Street
as a priority project, involving complete replacement of the streetscape
and comprehensive improvement to building frontages, if Kirkcaldy is to
retain and secure regional shopping centre status.
1.2
This report describes the project work required and seeks comment
prior to submission to the Environment and Development Committee
for approval.
2
Existing Position
2.1
The High Street is the main shopping street in Kirkcaldy. The 0.75km
section of the High Street under consideration in this report runs
between Nicol Street in the west and Port Brae in the east. Within this
section a pedestrianised zone runs between Whytecauseway and Kirk
Wynd.
2.2
The pedestrianised zone is fronted by major retail outlets and two
shopping centres. Outwith the pedestrianised zones, in the west and
east ends, retail has proved less sustainable. There is sufficient car
parking surrounding the High Street, although the two multi-storey car
parks are in need of refurbishment.
2.3
The overall appearance of the High Street is tired. The block paving to
the pedestrianised zone has been in place for some 15 years, and
many areas of paving are cracked or settling with water ponding
problems. There is a clutter of street furniture and medium sized trees.
The carriageway sections to the west and east are also tired, and have
a quite separate appearance from the pedestrianised zone, giving the
impression of subsidiary shopping areas, which are noticeably less
busy.
2.4
There are a significant number of listed and historic buildings in the
High Street which have the potential to greatly enhance the
appearance and commercial viability of the street if given sympathetic
facelift treatment. At present their impact is limited, and often negative,
as a result of poor maintenance and unsuitable finish and signage.
3
Proposals
3.1
Rejuvenation of the High Street would comprise replacing the paving of
the pedestrianised area and footways with high quality natural
materials, improving street lighting, providing new less intrusive street
furniture, improving signing and information, and enhancing public art.
Christmas lighting and space for events such as continental and
farmers markets will be included. In addition, use of space and further
limiting access by vehicles will be considered. A preliminary design
study of the broad layout and types of materials that could be
considered has been carried out by a consultant and are on display at
the meeting.
3.2
A separate building facelift programme would run in parallel with the
proposed streetscape improvements, targeting retailers and property
owners through offering grants for the repair, cleaning, painting and
restoration of key buildings.
3.3
As part of the planning process, public utilities will be expected to carry
out any major works required to their plant prior to repaving works
proceeding, and there will be detailed consultation with the public and
stakeholders, including the traders and disabled groups.
3.4
The works would most efficiently be carried out in three phases – the
east end, the pedestrianised zone, and the west end in that order. The
pedestrianised zone requires the greatest lead-in time due to greater
consultation. By starting at the east end, the materials will be laid in
small but effective quantities which will allow public inspection and
comment prior to the main works of the second phase going ahead. By
leaving the west end until last, more time is available to explore new
development opportunity with vacant property.
4
Project Costs, Programme and Project Management
4.1
The costs of the streetscape works are broadly £1M for the east end,
£1.7M for the pedestrianised zone and £1M for the west end. These
costs will be updated as design progresses. It is considered possible to
finance this project through taking up of slippage in the Council’s
capital plan supported by income from land sales. Funding from other
sources will be sought.
4.2
At present no firm start dates can be given, but it is anticipated that the
work in three phases will take two to three years to completion.
4.3
To ensure that the work is ready to commence at reasonably short
notice when funding becomes available it is recommended that
£100,000 allocated to Kirkcaldy Renaissance in the Capital Plan 20042010 is utilised for design fees.
4.4
The streetscape project will be controlled and designed by an in-house
team of officers from Transportation Services and Development
Services, utilising specialist consultants when required and reporting to
the KR partnership.
4.5
The facelift programme will be similar to previous works carried out by
the Kirkcaldy Facelift Trust and managed by Fife Historic Buildings
Trust and Development Services. This programme may be funded by
Historic Scotland, Fife Council and Scottish Enterprise Fife to 50% of
the cost, with the remainder being funded by property owners.
5
Recommendation
5.1
It is recommended that committee
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Comments on the Kirkcaldy Renaissance proposals to
rejuvenate Kirkcaldy High Street
Requests that a report recommending approval of the proposals
be presented to the Environment & Development Committee.
Approves £100,000 from the Kirkcaldy Renaissance allocation in
the Capital Plan 2004-10 to advance the design of the project.
Dr Bob McLellan
Head of Transportation Services
Keith Winter
Head of Development Services
Brian Lawrie
Head of Finance & Asset
Management
Author: Iain Napier, Area Transportation Manager (Ext 1588)
Transportation Services
Town House
Kirkcaldy
8th August 2005