the:news

Kirkcaldy High Street prepares for revamp

March 2007 will see work begin on the revamp of Kirkcaldy's High Street. The project is being led by the council's Transportation service as part of Kirkcaldy Renaissance Partnership's plans to transform Kirkcaldy.

The aim of the project is to enhance the image of the High Street, improve the shopping experience and encourage more shoppers and businesses into the town centre.

The proposal is to rejuvenate the streetscape in three phases.
1 - Port Brae to Kirk Wynd (east end)
2 - Kirk Wynd to Whytescauseway (pedestrian zone)
3 - Whytescauseway to Nicol Street (west end)

From consultation carried out at the end of last year, there was a general feeling that the appearance of the High Street is rather run down. Block paving in the pedestrian zone which was laid about 15 years ago is looking tired, is very difficult to clean. The east and west ends look and feel different to the pedestrian zone and give the impression that they are less attractive and on inspection are noticeably quieter in terms of shoppers than the pedestrian zone.

The rejuvenation project will see new paving put in throughout the high street with high quality natural materials such as granite, improvements to street and festive lighting, provision of new less obtrusive street furniture, enhanced signing & public information and new public artworks.

Consultation on the project for the east end has, on the whole, been well received by High Street traders, businesses and residents. Over 80 resident and 50 business addresses were contacted directly for their views via a questionnaire and a week long drop in information event was held in the east end of High street in September.

Phase 1 of the project is due to start in March with the works scheduled to be substantially complete by October.
Local consultation will be undertaken with affected residents and businesses prior to the design of phases 2 & 3 which are due to commence in the following financial years up to 2009.