A Kirkcaldy businessman has voiced his fears for the future of the town’s High Street should a car park be turned into a swimming pool.
Dennis Alexander, who owns a number of businesses in the town centre, believes the loss of Tolbooth Street car park could deliver a massive blow to the area with shoppers choosing to avoid the High Street altogether in favour of out-of-town developments.
He believes that should the removal of the car park go ahead the lack of convenient parking may drive some customers away, benefiting large chain stores and signalling the end for some smaller retailers.
Although Fife Council remained resolute in their decision to bring the pool to the site, Mr Alexander believes a petition with more than 7000 signatures shows he is not alone in his thinking.
He said, “I accept that Kirkcaldy needs a new pool but with all of the open spaces in the town, why take the car park? Trading is hard enough as it is and out-of-town shopping is going to win from this.
“Big stores are taking our products and selling them cheaper whilst the internet is taking the rest. People came off the street to sign the petition and you don’t get that sort of reaction unless there is strong feeling.
“I’ve seen the plans for the new pool and I’m not sure there is even any parking for that.”
The Tolbooth Street site was designated for the new pool after a protracted process, dismissing other locations including the former Nairn lino works in Victoria Road and Dunnikier Park playing fields.
While councillors believe the location is ideal for those using public transport, objectors who have started the Save The Car Park Campaign have coined the phrase “Great Idea, Wrong Location.”
Yesterday Fife Council leader Peter Grant again defended the local authority’s decision to construct the new pool at the site.
He added his belief the venue, set to open in late 2011, will prove beneficial for the High Street and surrounding area.
He went on, “The concern of local traders is based on the unfounded belief that there will be a shortage of car parking spaces when the new pool and leisure centre are opened.
“The fact is that even with the closure of the Tolbooth Street Car Park, and even allowing for increased visitors to the pool and to the High Street, there will be more than enough parking spaces.
“The town is crying out for investment in top quality facilities and that’s exactly what Fife Council will provide. We are replacing a swimming pool that is long past its sell-by date.
“We are doing this in the best possible location-a location that allows us to kick-start the longer-term regeneration of the High Street.”