A key move that could facilitate the redevelopment of Glenrothes town centre could be finalised as early as next week.
A formal planning application to move the CISWO social club to Fife Council’s social work building on South Street has been submitted for approval.
Developers wish to demolish the club’s current North Street home and establish a new leisure complex on the site, featuring restaurants and retail space.
The project, undertaken by Easy Living Developments, is just the latest for the heart of the town.
However, having reached the planning stage it means that after years of false dawns, work that could herald significant change for the retail sector could begin within months.
“It’s very exciting times for us,” said CISWO’s David Nelson.
“If permission is granted then work could start as early as January and we could be moving in by June or July.
“The members are all for it and we had a look around the new building recently. It looks amazing.”
The social work building is significantly newer than CISWO’s existing premises, with the process to relocate council staff likely to take place after the new year.
As well as a games room and community meeting facilities, the new social club would also feature a 578-capacity hall, allowing CISWO to build on its reputation as a venue for darts.
However, the club will lose its bowling green in the move, with members instead sharing with Dovecot Bowling Club in Auchmuty.
Mr Nelson said a determination on the application could be made as early as next week, continuing: “We will own this site, instead of leasing it, which means that we can build or expand when we want to.
“It will help to protect the heritage of the club.”
Meanwhile, there are hopes the town’s former bowling alley could soon return to use.
The former Fraser Bowl closed in 2009.
Rumours of its return have been circulating for years, however a sign on the outside of the building suggests the once popular attraction may soon be reopening.