Glenrothes Area Committee
9 January 2013
Agenda Item No.5
Glenrothes Town Centre Action Plan - Update
Report by:
Keith Winter, Head of Enterprise, Planning and Protective Services
Wards Affected:
14, 15, 16
Purpose
This briefing note sets out an overview of the Fife Council-led action plan for
Glenrothes town centre and provides a summary of progress to date.
Recommendation(s)
It is recommended that the Committee:
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Notes progress to date
Agrees a new action to support Glenrothes & Area Heritage Centre for inclusion
in the plan
Agrees to deletion of the action to develop an artists’ colony at Albany Gate
Agrees that work will begin now to engage in further consultation with
businesses, the general public and other stakeholders in anticipation of a refresh
of the town centre action plan later in 2013
Resource Implications
Estimated funding requirements in Financial Year 2013/14 are likely to be in the
order of £85,000.
This will be assembled from a range of sources, including internal Fife Council
budgets and through external funding applications. More detail is contained in
Appendix 3.
Legal & Risk Implications
Legal Implications
The requirement for an Action Plan for Glenrothes Town Centre was formalised by
an amendment to the then Draft Kirkcaldy and Mid-Fife Local Plan. The amendment
was agreed by the Planning Committee on 1 October 2009.
The outline three-year Action Plan was approved by Glenrothes Area Committee on
10 November 2010.
Risk Implications
 Community Expectations – the expectations of the community have been raised
by the action planning process. There is a need for continued work to engage
with the community throughout this project.
 Diversity of Action Plan Activities – the Action Plan will deliver a combination of
events, physical change, signposting, etc. Some actions will be “quick wins”
whilst others will begin a process of much longer term change. Drawing these
together into a cohesive framework for reporting, monitoring and communication
will be challenging.
 Supermarket Development – A number of the actions are related to investment in
a new supermarket development on North Street. The proposed development is
still under discussion, and timescales for its development and completion are not
clear.
Impact Assessment
An EqIA Checklist is not required because this is an update report, which does not
propose a change or revision to existing policies and practices.
Impact assessments will be carried out, as appropriate, on individual elements of the
Action Plan when required.
Consultation
The Executive Director, Finance and Resources and the Executive Director,
Corporate Services have been consulted during the preparation of this report.
An Officer Coordination Group have contributed to, and been consulted on, the
content of this report. The Project Board have also been consulted on and agreed
the content of this report.
A number of external and internal stakeholders have contributed views to the Action
Plan as it has developed. Consultation and information updates will continue
throughout the implementation of the Action Plan.
1.0 Background
1.1
This report updates Members on progress towards implementing an Action
Plan for Glenrothes Town Centre, which is a requirement of the Mid Fife Local
Plan, adopted January 2012.
1.2
The Action Plan for Glenrothes Town Centre is organised under three key
themes:
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Easier to Find and Explore – making it easier to locate the town
centre, and to find your way around it when you arrive. This includes
improvements to signage and examining longer-term issues around the
layout of the town centre and its links to surrounding areas (residential,
retail, industrial and leisure)
More reasons to visit – giving people more reasons to visit (and stay
longer) during the day and in the evening. This includes improvements
to the Rothes Halls, and in particular the side/evening entrance to this
key cultural facility. It also includes efforts to increase the frequency of
events in the town centre (in partnership with Kingdom Shopping
Centre and local community and interest groups)
Change for the better – making the most of the changes that are
happening in and around the town centre to make sure they benefit a
range of town centre businesses and visitors. This includes working to
ensure that the investment proposed by Tesco delivers wider benefits
to the town centre and consolidation of Council staff in the Fife House
Complex provides additional footfall for the town centre and does not
create car parking issues as result of spillover staff parking.
1.3
The implementation of this Action Plan demonstrates Fife’s strong
commitment to improving Scotland’s performance through sustainable
economic growth as outlined in the Government Economic Strategy and
reflected in Fife Council’s BIG 8 Objectives, particularly improving local
conditions for economic development.
1.4
The implementation of this Action Plan fits with the current Fife Economic
Strategy 2009 – 2020 outcome theme of “Stronger Communities through
Regeneration” which focuses on Town Centres as the heart of local
communities and a source of local pride. Development Services’ approach to
town centre regeneration and development is set out in the Building Stronger
Fife Communities statement approved by the Environment, Enterprise and
Transportation Committee on 16th April 2009.
2.0 Issues and Options
2.1
A copy of the Action Plan as approved in November 2010 is included in
Appendix 4. Progress on Ongoing Actions and main objectives are detailed
below:
2.1.1 Easier to Find and Explore
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Tourist signs from A92 to town centre attractions – to attract more
passing trade and remind the local customer base of the valuable town
centre attractions. This action has been taken forward in partnership
with On at Fife and Kingdom Shopping Centre. VisitScotland have
assessed and graded the attractions of Riverside Park (Fife Council);
Rothes Halls (On at Fife); and Kingdom Shopping Centre (CIS).
Agreement has now been secured (Oct 2012) from BEAR Scotland for
signage to be placed on the A92, and signs are currently being
fabricated and installed along key access routes.
A Development Framework for the wider town centre area – to
improve the linkages between the Kingdom Shopping Centre and
surrounding areas (including residential areas to the South; Riverside
Park to the North; Industrial areas to the North and new retail areas to
the North East). Fife Council has prepared a baseline study but any
sort of implementation relies on the interest and cooperation of CIS
AXA and increased clarity about the intentions of Tesco to undertake a
supermarket development. In the meantime, there is ongoing
investigation of approaches in other new towns and attempts to
improve way-finding by means of better pedestrian signage.
2.1.2 More Reasons to Visit
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Improvements to Rothes Halls side entrance – the Rothes Halls is a
key facility and one of the few areas of evening activity in the town
centre. After 5pm the interior doors linking the Rothes Halls with the
shopping centre are closed and entry is gained by the side entrance.
This has little signage and has the look and feel of a “secondary”
entrance rather than the key evening arrival point. The improvements
intend to provide a relatively low-cost facelift to the area to provide
evening visitors with a better sense of arrival. It is also hoped that this
may stimulate interest in a nearby vacant unit (formerly a McDonalds
restaurant), which also has an external entrance in the area. Plans are
now complete for the area and funding for the first (priority) phase is in
place. Work will continue to identify appropriate funding sources for a
second phase of works to improve the public area adjacent to the side
entrance.
Increased frequency of events – Fife Council led the development of
a new Festival in Riverside Park, which showcased recent investment
in the park and highlighted the proximity of the town centre and park.
An independent evaluation of the event indicated enthusiasm among
town centre retailers toward this approach, with the aspiration now to
increase the reach of the Festival to attract more visitors from outside
the immediate area and to provide a more focused event based on
visitor feedback from the 2012 Festival.
Support to the Star Awards – the Kingdom Shopping Centre host the
Star Awards annually. These awards recognise excellence among
staff of tenant businesses in the centre. In 2010 and 2011, Fife Council
sponsored a category of award. In 2012, this support was continued
and a bespoke training package was put in place to provide assistance
to entrants to the “best customer service person” and “best window
display” categories.
2.1.3 Change for the Better
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2.2
Fife Council staff consolidation in Fife House complex – this
consolidation is happening regardless of actions to improve the town
centre, however it presents a number of opportunities to be exploited
and challenges to be mitigated. At the time the Action Plan was drawn
up, there were proposals to close the Fife House overflow car park, to
provide public parking as part of a proposed supermarket development.
Various changes to these proposals meant that the Fife House
overflow car park is being retained but there is still a risk that staff
parking could cause a nuisance to local residents and/or over-burden
provision for town centre visitors. A travel plan for Fife House Complex
is under preparation, with employee travel choice engagement planned
for Spring 2013, spring time offers the best opportunity to encourage
people to change their travel habits. This encourages employees to
make sustainable travel choices.
Tesco development – again, Tesco’s proposals to develop a new
supermarket on North Street are beyond the scope of Fife Council’s
control, although as a landowner of part of the proposed site there is
some limited scope to influence the proposals. The proposed
development poses a number of opportunities for the town centre,
including increased footfall and the addition of a major food retailer as
well as a boost to one of the more tired entrances to the shopping
centre (Falkland Gate) and demolition of some ageing 1960s buildings
along North Street. It could also be used as a springboard or catalyst
to encourage wider investment from retailers and other town centre
businesses. However, there is a risk that the new store could pull
custom away from the town centre. The Town Centre Action Plan
therefore seeks to mitigate this risk and to capitalise on the
opportunities. Given the long delays in advancing the development
proposals this action remains at an early stage. A suite of planning
applications for the new store and associated redevelopment has been
submitted by Tesco/CIS and discussions are ongoing in order to
prepare a Committee Report for decision.
Alterations to the Plan that have been identified as a result of engagement,
discussion and/or changing circumstances are detailed below:

Support to Glenrothes & Area Heritage Centre – this local charity is
seeking a permanent town centre location. Previous short-term
exhibitions have proved popular, with large numbers of visitors
attracted. This would help to promote the distinctive offer which helps
to bring visitors into the town centre. It is proposed to provide lighttouch support to the organisation in establishing premises in a suitable
town centre location e.g. to assist with identifying suitable premises
and perhaps to help with some of the start-up costs. If the Committee
agree to inclusion of this action, it will be included in the area “More
Reasons to Visit.”
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2.3
The proposal to develop an artists’ colony at Albany Gate is
recommended for deletion from the Action Plan. At the time of
development of the action plan, Albany Gate had an extremely high
vacancy rate and a temporary artists’ colony was proposed to create
temporary interest and buzz in the area. As the Action Plan
progressed, new commercial uses have taken up premises in this area,
with the result that few of the premises remain vacant. The long term
aim of the artists’ colony was to secure permanent commercial uses for
these units and this approach is therefore no longer needed. Aval
Ballan – a commercial organisation – has taken up premises in the
Haig Business Park at Markinch and are exploring the feasibility of
establishing an artists’ colony (perhaps as a separate social enterprise
or charity) in this area. Where possible, opportunities for the town
centre to display or sell resulting artwork will be created and/or
supported.
Options are currently being considered for initiatives to address the
cluster of vacant units on Unicorn Way – further information, including
a recommendation, will be made available in future updates.
Monitoring – Vacancy Rates
2.3.1 The town centre vacancy rate in Glenrothes is summarised in Table 1
below. The comparable rates in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline are also
included for additional context.
2.3.2 Looking beyond the numbers, having vacant ‘anchor units’ at both ends
of the town centre is a wider issuer for the overall appeal of the centre.
In the current climate, finding viable commercial uses for these large
floorplates is a challenge.
Table 1 – Town Centre Vacancy Rate as % of Total Number of Vacant
Retail/Service Units
April 2010
April 2011
April 2012
Glenrothes
19.6%
22.2%
24.4% 1
Kirkcaldy
19.5%
19.9%
22.1%
Dunfermline
16.8%
16.8%
17.0%
Source: Experian Goad Floorspace Surveys
2.3.3 Appendix 2 contains maps of locations of vacant units. The high
vacancy rate in Glenrothes is principally being driven by a small
number of large units (including the former Co-Op food store, Co-Op
department store, bowling alley and Forum Hotel). There is also a
cluster of small persistently vacant units in Unicorn Way.
2.4
Monitoring – Survey Feedback
2.4.1 A visitor survey undertaken at Riverside Park Festival (July 2012)
showed high overall satisfaction with the event – 95% said their overall
experience had been good or very good and 99% felt that the Park was
a good or very good location to host a town event.
1
As a result of a change in the town centre boundary between April 2011 and April 2012, the headline figures
for Glenrothes are not directly comparable. The like-for-like figure is 25.0%.
2.4.2 A survey of businesses in the town centre revealed that of those
interviewed, all were positive about the event and would welcome
similar future activity.
2.4.3 The key feedback in relation to town centre trade is that the event
should develop a more unique proposition in order to attract visitors
from further afield. This, in turn, would help to generate greater
economic impact.
2.5
Next Steps and Further Developments
2.5.1 At this point, it is appropriate to undertake a major engagement
exercise as the current action plan moves towards completion. The
context, both locally and nationally, has changed significantly since the
current plan was developed.
2.5.2 This exercise will seek to engage with:
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the community;
local independent businesses;
national (and international) organisations with a local interest; and
other stakeholders
It will seek to confirm/update the vision for the town centre and to
identify what initiatives might be brought forward to continue to support
the town centre. The action plan, to date, has focused on where Fife
Council can drive or effect change. The ambition now is to develop
more projects in true partnership with the wider community, including
businesses and community groups.
2.5.3 This offers the opportunity to re-cast and strengthen the objectives of
the plan where appropriate. The result will be a new package of town
centre projects that continue to support the town centre to realise its full
potential.
3.0 Conclusions
3.1
This report summarises progress in implementing an Action Plan for
Glenrothes Town Centre. It also outlines next steps for developing Fife
Council’s approach, alongside relevant delivery partners. A further progress
update will be submitted to this Committee in mid-2013.
List of Appendices
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Appendix 1 – Tourist Signage Location Plan and Designs
Appendix 2 – Vacancy Patterns – Time Series Maps
Appendix 3 – Financial Implications of each Action
Appendix 4 – Previous Action Plan (as Approved November 2010)
Appendix 5 – Membership of Project Board and Project Delivery Group
Background Papers
The following papers were relied on in the preparation of this report in terms of the Local
Government (Scotland) Act, 1973:

Riverside Park Festival Evaluation, EKOS Ltd, August 2012

New life for Glenrothes Town Centre action plan, yellow book, October 2010
Report Contact
Author Name:
Kirstin Marsh
Author’s Job Title: Economic Adviser
Workplace:
Kingdom House, Kingdom Avenue, Glenrothes, KY7 5LY
Telephone:
08451 55 55 55, Ext No 47 18 75
Email:
kirstin.marsh@fife.gov.uk
Appendix 1 – Tourist Signage Location Plan and Designs
The A92 proposed signage locations are shown below. Both are on the approach to the
Prestonhall roundabout (one North-bound and one South-bound). The exact siting will be
dependent upon ground conditions and safety barrier locations.
Appendix 2 – Vacancy Patterns, Glenrothes Town Centre
April 2010
April 2011
April 2012
Appendix 3 – Financial Implications Associated with each Action 2013/14
Ongoing Actions
Tourist Signs
Development Framework
Rothes Halls Side
Entrance
Events
Star Awards
Travel Plan
Tesco Development
Total
Description
Cost
This action is nearing completion, and there are no further
financial implications associated with it beyond 2012/13.
Consultancy work to
£10,000
facilitate
External funding of circa £60,000 required to complete
Phase 2. Phase 1 fully funded in 2012/13
Riverside Park Event
£20,000
summer 2013; various smallscale events
Continuing Sponsorship and
£5,000
Training Provision
No direct financial cost
No direct financial cost & timescales not clear
£35,000 (Fife Council) + £60,000 external
Proposed New Actions
Glenrothes & Area
Heritage Centre
Total
Description
Support to establish
permanent premises
Estimated Cost
£5,000
£5,000 (Fife Council)
Appendix 4 – Previous Action Plan (as Approved November 2010)
No
1
Action proposed
A Framework for
Development - the
urban design grid.
Lead
Development Services
2
Use the Sainsbury
scheme to start the
change process: the urban design
grid,
active
frontages,
design quality,
 the North-South
axis, links to the
park, a cohesive
townscape;
New look for Rothes
Halls entrance
(evening)
AXA/Sainsburys
3
4
5
6
7
8
Development Services
(Lead)/ Asset &
Facilities Management
Services/Transportation
Services.
Housing & Communities
- Leisure & Cultural
Services. Arts And
Theatre Trust Fife Ltd
Transportation Services
Refresh the Fife
Council travel plan
for the Fife House
complex
“Scotland’s town in
Leisure & Cultural
the trees” – outdoor Services
(including
cycling/walking)
events programme
Meet by the Clock:
facelift and events
space
Artists’ workspace
at east end
AXA
Signposting the
town centre from
the A92
AXA (lead) input from
VisitScotland/Transportation/Transport
Scotland.
AXA
Current status/next steps
Input from Transportation Service
(Designing Streets) required. The
policy framework is to be
implemented through the Local Plan
cycles over a 20 year period. A
Project Proposal and Business Case
to be drafted.
The investment case is being
finalised. If approved, public
consultation and planning
applications to take place in late
2010.
Project Proposal and Business Case
to be drafted.
Car Parking Management Strategy
approved. Implementation begins
with staff engagement in 2010 and
implementation in 2011.
Input from Transportation Services
and linked to Riverside Park
activities. “Scotland’s town in the
trees” is working brand for town.
Resources to support part time
events coordinator to be
investigated.
Further discussions with AXA
required,
Note: no role for Fife Council except
facilitation of links between artists
and AXA. Further discussions with
AXA required.
Further discussions with AXA
required on process to obtain trunk
road consent.
9
Whole town events
programme
Leisure & Cultural
Services.
10
Action Plan
coordination and
measurement.
Dedicated town
centre support.
Development Services
To pull together Take A Pride in
Glenrothes events as well as
Kingdom Centre, Rothes Halls and
all services as well as encourage
new events in the town centre and
investigate new locations for these.
Ongoing dedicated town centre
support to facilitate the internal
cross service projects group as well
as implementation of this action plan
and ongoing community
engagement.
Appendix 5 – Membership of Project Board and Project Delivery Group
Project Board
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Cllr Bill Kay – Chair of Glenrothes Area Committee
Violeta Ilendo – Senior Service Manager, Opportunities, Place and Regeneration
Jim McLeish – Service Manager, Regeneration, Place & Environment
Norman Laird – Area Service Manager, Glenrothes
Frank Chinn – Chief Executive, Arts and Theatres Trust Fife Limited
Robert Winter, Manager – Kingdom Shopping Centre
Project Delivery and Coordination
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Kirstin Marsh – Economic Adviser, Regeneration, Place & Environment
Margaret Reilly – Area Support Team Leader, Glenrothes
Clare Hamilton-Sturdy – Lead Officer, Travel Planning
Gillian Parsons – Creative Development Worker, Arts and Theatres Trust Fife
Linda Ballingall – Glenrothes Area Futures Group