An ambitious blueprint for regeneration of Cupar town centre has been revealed.
Cupar Development Trust wants people’s views on the proposal to transform vacant and derelict property and land behind the Crossgate into affordable housing and business units.
The vision has been developed by the group with Fife Council, Kingdom Housing Association and local baker Fisher and Donaldson.
If investment can be found it would lead to the creation of 34 new homes and nine business units in an area stretching from Kirk Wynd, across part of the Bonnygate car park.
The area includes former bakery and laundry buildings and a gap site in Bonnygate where a dangerous building was demolished six years ago.
It is also hoped the development would encourage other owners to upgrade neighbouring buildings.
The plan is to go on display in the town’s Corn Exchange on Wednesday between 3pm and 6.30pm, to allow the public to be consulted.
Tom Morton, of Arc Architects, which was commissioned to draw up the plans, said: “The design demonstrates how 34 dwellings and nine business units can be sensitively stitched into the conservation area in a mix of refurbished stone property and new buildings.”
The proposal is the first initiative of Cupar Development Trust, with the aim of creating an “inner court” of new affordable homes, commercial space, a better public realm and improved pedestrian links.
Trustee Jim McLeish said: “Our aim is to promote improvements which lead to long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.
“This proposal addresses these issues, and could help to transform Cupar town centre.
“Activity associated with the new businesses and residents will enliven areas adjacent to George Inn Pend.
“We then anticipate neighbouring owners will invest in upgrading their buildings.”
Mr McLeish said the trust wants feedback on the drawings, which will also be displayed in the County Buildings for a week and can be seen on the trust’s website, www.CuparDevTrust.org.uk.
He added: “The partners will need to consider, in the next stage, how the development will be funded.
“The views of the public will be important.”
A feasibility study has been completed and a team led by Arc Architects has carried out a site assessment and prepared cost estimates.