Much anticipated work on a £500 million project to transform the north of Kirkcaldy could get under way as early as next month, The Courier has learned.
There had been fears that the Kingdom Park development might never come to fruition as almost two years have passed since planning permission was granted and very little has been done with the site.
The new neighbourhood promised more than 1,000 new homes, a primary school, shops and a community centre, with improvements to the road network also outlined to resolve congestion issues in the area.
Despite the apparent lack of activity since consent was obtained, the company behind the plans has now confirmed that the project is on the verge of finally taking off.
Jestyn Davies, from Murray Estates, told The Courier that the firm has been progressing with the detailed design of the infrastructure to serve the site, including new on site roads and services, landscaping and off site road improvements including works to the nearby Redhouse roundabout.
And he revealed: “We are at an advanced stage in our negotiations with a number of major housebuilders and affordable housing providers and we hope to secure a number of deals over the next week or so.
“We have a fully tendered package of works and once we have secured the housebuilders work will start on site.”
Although the beginning of work on site is still subject to securing those housebuilders, Mr Davies added that they are targeting a July 2016 start and, if all goes well, a completion date before Christmas.
“Murray Estates have a very strong working relationship with Fife Council and we are pleased with the progress we have made,” he added.
“We look forward to working with the council further on future phases of Kingdom Park and making this new neighbourhood a valuable addition to Kirkcaldy and Fife.”
According to the blueprint, 273 affordable homes will be built in the first phase of the development, while a further 817 private housing units were also approved by Fife Council back in November 2014.
A new primary school, community facility and local shops were also among the features included in the plans.
