Dunfermline’s old fire station could be transformed into an arts centre this summer, now funding has been secured.
Fire Station Creative, which is behind plans to renovate the 1930s building in Carnegie Drive, has raised around £220,000 for the ambitious project, of which £170,000 has been granted by Fife Council.
In addition to the £70,000 approved by Dunfermline area committee last year, a further £100,000 was allocated to the group at the Labour administration’s recent budget meeting.
Ian Moir, who will be director of exhibitions when the centre opens its doors, said it could be up and running as early as June.
“It’s important not to mislead the public and leave them frustrated but, realistically, we would look to be open in June or July, depending on how the renovation goes for us.
“We viewed quite a few buildings and some were in a state of terrible disrepair but the fire station had been occupied and was in excellent condition. It has been closed for a few years so we’re expecting a few problems but not many.
“The biggest challenge was raising the funds but the public support has always been there and now it seems we also have cross-party support. Nevertheless, the Labour administration has really helped to make it a reality.
“For the most part, this is a council-funded project so we’re greatly indebted to Fife Council for sharing our vision. We’ve pretty much got everything we need to carry out the renovation and see us through the first two years of trading. Now, we’re starting to firm up all of our plans and are really excited about what’s going to happen this summer. We’re hoping the renovation will begin towards the end of April or beginning of May.”
The building has been lying unused since the fire service moved into a new station in Pitreavie in 2010. It is now to be relaunched as an arts hub, complete with a gallery, classroom, studio space for artists to rent and a cafe.
The group hopes to showcase the old engine room as a main gallery and invite professional artists from all over the country to exhibit there, with free entry for the public.
It is also hoped the centre will help provide opportunities for aspiring artists.
The council stated in its revenue budget report: “The aspiration is to provide a facility that supports people at every step of their creative life, raising awareness of the arts, developing skills, providing accommodation and mentoring support in both creative skills and in business development skills.
“Positive discussions have taken place with schools, colleges, art clubs, art therapy groups and the wider community.
“This project provides the potential to build on a rich cultural heritage and contribute to an equally rich future for Dunfermline.”