The true potential of Rosyth waterfront is about to be unlocked.
For years there has been a concerted effort to develop the sprawling site, which houses the dockyard, European ferry and many key industries.
The Scarborough-based Muir Group proposed a £500 million regeneration scheme over a 120-acre site last autumn.
The site is a hive of activity, with work progressing on the two aircraft carriers at Babcock’s yard, the Queensferry Crossing being built and a decision due on granting tourism-drawing world heritage status to the Forth Bridge.
How best to develop and market the key asset is a major part of FIFEplan, with Fife Council’s executive committee’s decision to create a masterplan progressing well, according to its deputy leader Lesley Laird.
“We’ve been though a very tough recession since 2008, but things have also changed and this review presents the opportunity to take stock and move this issue forward,” she said.
The economy and planning spokeswoman added: “I was very aware of how long this area has lain undeveloped and how strongly local people want to see something happen with this area.
“Now all the landowners are back around the table and Scottish Enterprise has arrived at the table this is all very good.
“Now we have to look at the whole marketing strategy for the site. It’s about having options, and not putting all our eggs in one basket.”
Having had great success on the employability front through partnerships, she is confident the same approach could “for the first time” get a strategic review of the waterfront.
This would not only look at current operations but ahead to identifying a realistic development potential.
“I am encouraged with the progress made so far, but there is still considerable work to be done to bring forward a cohesive approach,” she warned.
Everyone acknowledged the need to retain the port, energy and employment-related activities as primary use for the site given its critical role on the jobs front.
But it also had to look at protecting the environment, and take into account the anticipated world heritage status for the rail bridge, and it had to look carefully at a technical appraisal of the land.
“A lot has changed, and is continuing to change, and we need to recognise and adapt to that.”
Mrs Laird was encouraged by the positive dialogue since the decision was taken to carry out a masterplan.
“We’ve got a tremendous asset in Rosyth. Has it got potential? Absolutely. That is what we are focused on.”