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KIRKCALDY’S REGENERATION CONTINUES WITH THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF RAILWAY STATION IMPROVEMENTS

Kirkcaldy's railway station car park and improvements have been officially opened. The occasion was marked by planting of the final tree in the landscaping by local councilors and representatives from the Kirkcaldy Renaissance Partnership’s programme.

The new 300 space car park is on the north (Forth Avenue) side of the station in the former goods yard. Other works included high quality lighting and CCTV with improved signs and information, better walk ways and cycle ways around the station. The £1.45M project was a result successful Public Transport Fund bid to the Scottish Executive and was part of Kirkcaldy Renaissance Partnership’s Programme. The design followed an extensive public consultation exercise last year which helped develop and shape the final plan. Local construction company T N Gilmartin (Contractors) Ltd was awarded the contract in June. Construction was completed on schedule and within budget in 18 weeks.

Cllr Jim Philp, Transport & Environment spokesperson said: “The additional car parking spaces and the high quality improvements at Kirkcaldy Railway Station are to be welcomed. This is a key commuter station and will I’m sure benefit the wider travelling public as well as the local Kirkcaldy residents and encourage more people to travel by train thereby reducing congestion and pollution on our Fife’s roads.”

On behalf of Kirkcaldy Renaissance Partnership, Sally Dyer commented: “"Kirkcaldy Renaissance Partnership welcomes the improvements to the facilities at the town's railway station which provide a safe and secure environment for parking and will encourage the use of sustainable transport. The car park reinforces the attraction of the town's excellent transport connections and strengthens Kirkcaldy's role within the city region. Future work will improve the links for pedestrians and cyclists between the rail station and the town centre."