Dilapidated Glenrothes town centre buildings could finally be demolished within months.
The former Co-op store and Forum hotel have been empty and decaying for more than a decade.
They are riddled with asbestos and considered a blight on efforts to regenerate the wider area.
However, the new Kingdom Shopping Centre owners have now unveiled fresh plans to raze the site, along with other Albany Gate units.
They hope to replace some of it with a community green space.
Focus Estate Fund, who bought the centre just over a year ago, describe the Albany Gate area as “underused and outdated”.
And they told The Courier they are on the verge of appointing a contractor to bring the buildings down.
Focus Fund senior asset manager Alex Butler said: “We’re very close to locking it in and picking who we want to do the work for us.”
‘Albany Gate no longer fit for modern retail’
The news comes eight years after previous Kingdom Centre owners Mars announced their own Co-op demolition plans, which were later abandoned due to the £1 million cost.
However, the new proposal appears to be very much on course.
Mr Butler says the Glenrothes community has put up with an eyesore for long enough.
“It’s not nice for local people to have to look at that,” he said.
“The shopping centre is over-sized so it works in our favour to get rid of that part of it.”
Meanwhile, a report compiled by planning consultants in February, on behalf of Focus Estate Fund, says: “Albany Gate is no longer fit for modern retail or commercial use.
“It’s existing structures are outdated and in disrepair, posing safety concerns.”
This has resulted in low visitor numbers and anti-social behaviour around the empty buildings.
Co-op demolition plan puts community first
Focus Estate Fund has been engaging positively with Fife Council over its Co-op demolition plan.
It forms part of a long-term masterplan for the entire Glenrothes town centre area.
Mr Butler adds: “It won’t be too different to what was approved previously for the last owner.
“We’re talking more community green space rather than another car park though.
“And we’re very passionate about putting the community at the forefront of what we do.”
Glenrothes councillors have been pushing to get Albany Gate redeveloped for many years and have welcomed the plans.
Area committee convener John Beare is hopeful of some physical progress by the end of the year.
The SNP councillor said: “I’m encouraged the new owners are working closely with council officers to regenerate the eastern end of the Kingdom Centre in the short term.”
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