Work has started which will pave the way for the transformation of a derelict steel works in Tayport into a community hub.
Fife Council is to improve ground conditions at the old Abertay works in Shanwell Road, ahead of Tayport Community Trust’s revitalisation of the land.
Remediation works over the next two weeks will involve excavation and removal of soil around the existing buildings.
The trust welcomed the progress and said it hopes to begin its regeneration of the waterfront site next year.
Chairman Mike Burns said ownership of the site is to be transferred to the trust once the council’s work is complete at the end of the month.
He said: “Our plans are to take ownership and demolish the existing buildings.
“If successful in bidding for funds from the Big Lottery Fund, sportscotland and other trusts we hope to start work on the proposed new Tayport Hub in the spring of 2017.”
The trust is to undertake a phased development, first demolishing the derelict factory building before creating a modern multipurpose hall, caf with soft play area and meeting rooms.
The site will also be developed to form play areas and allotments, while later phases will involve the creation of a campsite and hostel.
As part of the land transfer, the council agreed to upgrade the area using cash from the Scottish Government’s vacant and derelict land fund.
Councillor Lesley Laird, depute leader and executive spokesperson for enterprise and environment, said: “This site has been derelict for many years and is now just an eyesore.
“The industrial nature of the site left the land unsuitable for non-industrial use, making it difficult to attract any other users for the area.
“We are cleaning up the land with a view to facilitating proposals by Tayport Community Trust to develop this area for community use.”
The council said works, part of a wider programme of remediation of former industrial land, would cause minimal disruption, with which hours of work will be controlled.