The demolition of a historic Kirkcaldy building is a necessary sacrifice to regenerate the area, it has been claimed.
The Victoria Power Station could be razed if Historic Scotland does not object to plans that could see a nursing home built on the site of the B-listed building.
Having been in a state of decay for years and despite calls by planning officials to spare it from the wrecking ball, members of Fife Council’s central area planning committee agreed that its presence was holding up the regeneration of the so-called Victoria Road Corridor.
Although final approval of the nursing home proposal is dependent on Historic Scotland not vetoing the plans, the body has so far not objected to the proposals, potentially paving the way for work to progress.
After the demolition of the old Nairn’s linoleum factory on the same stretch this year, there are high hopes the area can be transformed into a commercial powerhouse for the town.
“I genuinely would be sad to see the building go, as it is part of our industrial heritage,” town councillor Neil Crooks said.
“In the absence of some benefactor with a spare million or two to turn the building into an industrial heritage museum, I would certainly encourage capturing the legacy of our tramways in photographs which could be displayed in the new build, including the demolition, and perhaps we can use some of the metalwork for public art.
“The Victoria Road Corridor has improved with the demolition and site clearance of the former Nairn buildings. It would be great for people to finally see some new developments along this artery in line with the recent charrette outcomes, which highlighted housing, sport and commercial opportunities to replace the dereliction.”
The B-listed building was designed for Kirkcaldy Corporation Tramways by architect William Williamson. Opened in 1903, the facade on to Victoria Road was detailed in an Edwardian baroque style, common at the time but increasingly rare in the town.
Its preservation had been deemed important by council planning officers, despite the poor state of the rest of the structure. Planning officers advised councillors to reject the nursing home plans but many felt failure to grant the application would further stall redevelopment of the wider area.
When permission was granted in August, the decision was taken subject to Historic Scotland not objecting to the demolition, which is its right when a listed building is involved.
Another person who would be happy to see progress is David Henderson, chairman of Kirkcaldy West Community Council. He believes that regeneration of the Victoria Road Corridor will have wider benefits for the town. “It’s a crucial site within the town and the area,” he said.
A Historic Scotland spokesperson said: “We have recently been notified of the local authority’s decision to grant consent for the demolition of the Victoria Power Station in Kirkcaldy. We are assessing all the relevant information in order to come to a view on the proposals.”