Inverkeithing’s £3.6 million heritage regeneration project could move its public consultation online during the coronavirus lockdown.
The team behind plans to restore the old town house and improve the town centre over the next five years are trialling options to ensure community meetings and engagement can continue in some form until things return to normal.
This could involve virtual meetings and podcasts, as well as other online activities.
Emma Griffiths, training and development officer at Fife Historic Buildings Trust, said all planned training events and activities that had been planned were now cancelled.
“We’ve been investigating other ways to bring the project to life for the community,” she said.
“This might include online heritage activities, virtual meetings using video conferencing and podcasts highlighting Inverkeithing’s history and heritage.
“I’ve already held several heartening video meetings with keen members of Inverkeithing Local History Society, where we’ve been learning together about how to care for community archives.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to follow up with more exciting news about future activities and ways for people to re-engage with the project.”
Advice has also been issued about the building repair grant scheme, which allows property owners in the centre of Inverkeithing to improve their buildings.
Fife Historic Buildings Trust project officer Fiona Stenke said: “We know that this will be a difficult time for everyone and that it may be some time before property owners can go ahead with their building repair projects.
“We’ll ensure the grant scheme is as flexible as possible and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to discuss the implications for your project or to register your interest in the scheme.”
SNP councillor Alice McGarry added: “Fife Council is committed to delivering Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration but we’d like the people of Inverkeithing to bear with the project team as they endeavour to work out how best to move forward.”
The regeneration scheme is being delivered by Fife Historic Buildings Trust on behalf of Fife Council.
