A £3 million plan to revitalise Dalgety Bay over the next six years, creating a civic square, woodland path and new community hub, has been unveiled.
The project is being led by the recently formed Dalgety Bay Trust, which aims to provide the community-led initiative over three phases.
The first stage, an outdoor civic square and events space, is earmarked for completion in 2021.
Trust founders Phil Evans and Brian Johnston say they have already had a positive response from residents since the group formed in July and they are confident the works can be achieved on time.
“There certainly seems to be an appetite for the proposals and that is really pleasing,” said Phil, the trust’s chairman.
“The community already own the land on which we propose the civic square so that has given us a huge head start and with local businesses and organisations such as Dalgety Bay Church giving their backing to the plans, it’s now all about raising the estimated £200,000 we will need to make it a reality.”
He said the square would make an ideal space for community events, farmer’s markets and public gatherings as well as being a meeting point of residents or a space for quiet contemplation.
“We also want the square to reflect over 800 years of history and heritage locally and the public has a direct say in how the space will look,” he said.
Trust members are now pursuing a number of funding opportunities and have called on residents to help them lend weight to future funding applications.
The group has more than 60 members already but wants to increase its ranks significantly.
“We are aiming for 500 which will really show funders that there is a real desire in Dalgety Bay to make this happen,” said Brian.
Once phase one is complete, the trust wants to create a 1.5km route, with disabled access, connecting the Fife Coastal Path through woodland taking in historical sites including Donibristle Chapel and the Old Kirk.
The final phase involves a £2m multi functional community hub to replace the existing centre which dates back to 1974. This could include a heritage centre and commercial office and meeting space.
For more information about the trust and how to get involved go to Dalgety Bay Trust Facebook page.