Future looking brighter for disused Lochgelly Town House

An unusual asituation over the future of Lochgelly Town House has been resolved.

The listed building has been lying empty for some time and plans are in the pipeline to turn it and a neighbouring depot into affordable housing.

However, part of the site is considered Common Good land but there is no Common Good fund, so there would be nowhere into which profits from the sale of the land could be paid.

Lochgelly is a former burgh but after the reorganisation of local government back in 1973 it did not have a Common Good fund. So if the property is sold a new fund would have to be created so the capital receipt would be held there.

Cowdenbeath Area committee would manage this new fund. A meeting to try to resolve the issue has now been held with the local community council.

They were keen to ensure the best value will be received for the land and the proposals represented the best use for that area.

The prominent Fife Council-owned building was used as a local office but had lain empty since staff relocated to the refurbished Lochgelly Centre.

If the plans are successful it is hoped work could start this August.