Tesco has confirmed its commitment to Glenrothes, three years after seeking permission for a store in the town.
The supermarket chain has pledged to move forward with its investment, which will provide 400 jobs.
Planning permission for a large store and car park in North Street was granted by Fife Council in May, subject to a number of conditions, which include finding alternative accommodation for the YMCA and CISWO club before demolition to make way for the development.
The main sticking point remains CISWO, which is refusing to move following a row over rates.
Tesco has agreed to pay compensation for the loss of CISWO’s bowling green, which will be invested in other bowling clubs in the town, and to control parking, possibly through the introduction of charging for the first time in Glenrothes town centre’s history.
However, the company said charging was not its preferred option and expressed hope parking would remain free.
Corporate affairs manager Gloria Coates said: “Parking charges was a solution promoted by council officers and Mars Pensions Trustees Ltd, which owns the Kingdom Centre. Obviously we want parking controls, but it doesn’t need to be a charging structure.
“There is only one other store in Scotland with parking charges and that’s Kirkcaldy it’s not our preferred option.”
Ms Coates said the next stage in the development would be for Mars Pensions to secure a deal with CISWO and provide a vacant site.
“We need the CISWO to be happily relocated before we can take over possession, and there is still some work to be done there.”
Adding that she was pleased councillors had unanimously supported the application, Ms Coates said: “We have been trying to get planning permission since 2010.
“It’s been a long road and we are delighted to be over this hurdle. We remain committed to delivering the store and look forward to further progress.”
The site was the subject of a prolonged battle between Tesco and Sainsbury’s before planning permission was eventually granted.
The store is seen as key to the regeneration of the town centre amid hopes it will serve as a catalyst for further investment.