The site of a former historical Kirkcaldy landmark could soon be given a new lease of life.
A large area of land on the town’s Victoria Road, which previously housed a power station providing electricity for the town’s tram network which ran until 1932, has been sold to a Lancashire-based developer.
And it is hoped that the sale could help kick-start the regeneration of the rundown area of the town which has become a major eyesore over the past few decades.
Diana Josephs, managing director of Manchester-based United Investment Company Ltd, which sold the land to Rawdon Property Group last week, said: “I am delighted that things are continuing to move forward.
“It has taken a long time and effort to get to this stage, but finally things are looking up for this site and the whole of the Victoria Road area, and I hope that Rawdon will be able to develop the site into something which will benefit Kirkcaldy and its residents.”
United Investment Company Limited obtained planning permission to demolish the dilapidated plant and build a nursing home and supermarket on the site in 2014.
However, the consent came with a list of conditions which, United Investment Company argued, made it too expensive to carry out.
This was borne out when the building failed to sell, despite being put up for sale with a £1 price tag in July 2016 to anyone who could come up with a feasible business plan.
The building continued to deteriorate, with youngsters breaking in and setting fires, despite extensive security measures.
A large crack appeared on the back wall and bulging in the brickwork at the front, facing onto the main road, posed a danger to pedestrians and drivers.
It was agreed the conditions could be relaxed to allow the building to be demolished, with part of the main façade and entrance doorway retained. The building was also recorded for historical archives.
Demolition was carried out by Blair Group over several months last year, with most of the stone and steel recycled for use in future building projects.
Rawdon Property Developments, which was behind the sale of land from the former bus garage paint shop on the Esplanade to Lidl for a new supermarket opposite Morrisons, will consider the options available for the site.
A spokesman said: “It is a bit premature to be putting forward any ideas at the present time, but we will be happy to give updates as things progress.”
Mrs Josephs, whose company will retain its Kirkcaldy links through Stocks discount carpet shop on Links Street, said: “I am grateful to the councillors and everyone who helped this to happen and I look forward to seeing how it will be used to bring benefits to people in the town.”
She also moved to dispel rumours that Stocks, which last year celebrated 50 years in the town, was to close.
“We have carried out repairs to the walls which were damaged, and we hope to be in the town for another 50 years at least,” she said.
“This is the site of the original Robert Stocks linen factory from 1805, which at one time employed over 400 people from the town and surrounding area.
“We have served three generations of customers and hope to continue to do so for even more.”
