The £1 million demolition of one of Fife’s worst eyesores has been scrapped, leaving its future in limbo.
The Courier has learned Mars Pension Group, owner of the former Co-op building in Glenrothes, has cancelled a long-held plan to demolish the dilapidated landmark.
The former department store, constructed in 1964, has large amounts of asbestos still present and has been ruled unsafe to enter.
The building and adjoining Forum premises were originally scheduled to be razed in 2018 but demolition was put on hold after delays were encountered by contractors working on the demolition of Kirkcaldy swimming pool, also owned by Mars Pension Group.
Glenrothes Labour councillor Altany Craik said the situation was “simply unacceptable”.
“We’ve been pushing hard to see these eyesores dealt with so to now learn that plans to remove the former Co-op building Glenrothes has been scrapped is hugely disappointing,” he said.
“I will be seeking clarification from the owners and an urgent meeting to talk about what can be done to move the situation on.”
David Cooper, secretary of Glenrothes Futures Group, a pressure group working to encourage improvements and commercial investment into the town, said he had written to Mars Pension Group voicing concerns.
“We were originally told in 2015 that the demolition would come within two years and once that deadline had passed that it would be completed by 2019 and we are still waiting,” he said.
“We have grave concerns as to the continuing deterioration and rough state of the building and the image that portrays against the range of redevelopment which is currently taking place across the town centre.”
Mr Cooper added: “It’s a huge disappointment to know the building won’t be demolished any time soon.
“We have now written to the owners to ask for clarification on the building’s future both from public safety perspective and from the point of view of regeneration, but we are being met with a wall of silence.”
He said the Futures Group wanted the building to be re-clad and used as a backdrop for public art.
“With Glenrothes’ rich history of public art and the recent art murals in Kelty and Cowdenbeath having such a positive impact, we want to explore the opportunities that something similar could be achieved with the Co-op building too,” said David.
Neither Mars Pension Group or AEW Ltd, the building’s management agents, were available for comment.
