More than 2,500 jobs could be coming to Fife if plans to transform one of Europe’s biggest brownfield sites is given the go-ahead.
The former Westfield open cast coal mine could be turned into an industrial and energy-producing powerhouse for the region under plans submitted for approval by site owners Hargreaves Services.
Development of the vast site, sandwiched between Cardenden and Kinglassie, could also result in the reopening of an old railway line to service the business park, following the findings of a feasibility study commissioned as part of the proposals.
Local councillor Alex Campbell said that the proposals could be a game-changer for the local economy, if the green light is given.
“If it creates these jobs then it will be fantastic for the site and for the whole area,” he said.
“This is an area of high deprivation and if Hargreaves can turn the site around then it would be a huge boost for the area, creating local jobs and improving the local economy.
“It could be really exciting times.
“It’s a really positive project.”
A masterplan of the site includes proposals for manufacturing and industrial units, along with business and leisure opportunities.
A vast solar farm is also planned, with panels placed on land and floating on the water-filled former quarry.
Food production and the recycling industries are two areas being targeted, with the planning application having followed a public consultation by Hargreaves, which purchased the site in 2012.
The plan has also assessed the viability of reinstating the Westfield railway branch line, with a feasibility study finding no issues with the track and rail network capacity to prevent the route from reopening to freight traffic.
Hargreaves, estimates that around 1,075 construction jobs will created over a ten-year period, with the completed development capable of supporting an estimated 1,500 full-time equivalent jobs.
Mr Campbell also welcomed the development as a means of securing the site, with youngsters said to have been using the quarry as a swimming pool in recent summers.
As part of its planning application, Hargreaves states: “The proposed development would provide a significant source of renewable energy, be capable of providing energy and heat for a range of commercial developments, create local job opportunities, and provide for significant ongoing environmental enhancement and management of the undeveloped parts of the site, including enhanced public access provision.
“Overall, the proposed development would make a notable contribution to the positive and sustainable growth of Fife.”
A decision on the application is expected in the new year.
