Two Fife projects have received funding boosts for their efforts to improve health and employment prospects.
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has awarded £3,250 to the Fife Employment Access Trust’s (FEAT) Oan Yer Bike cycle hire initiative at Silverburn Park in Leven.
A further £3,000 will go to the King’s Theatre in Kirkcaldy, to pay for emergency lighting for its pop-up venue, where it hopes to stage plays, films and events.
The lighting is needed to meet mandatory health and safety requirements for public spaces.
FEAT supports people with mental health issues in to employment and has been regenerating the park through a combination of community and commercial activities.
Plans include the opening of a campsite this year, followed by a hostel, café and meeting room space through the regeneration of the former flax mill.
Duncan Mitchell from the organisation said a free cycle hire project to help people explore the coastal path was also on the cards in response to a survey on the group’s website.
Working with other social enterprises along the route, it will allow cyclists to pick up and drop off bikes at different locations.
Bicycles will be sourced from and maintained by local social enterprise Bike Works, and bike maintenance courses are planned for Silverburn if there is sufficient demand.
Mr Mitchell said: “Overall, the project is intended to promote and service local tourism, improve fitness and access to local amenities, remove barriers to physical exercise and promote collaboration between local social enterprises.”
The King’s Theatre group has acquired the former YWCA building behind the theatre and will use it as a technical training facility for courses in audio, lighting and stage management, as well as for flexible performance and rehearsal spaces.
The derelict building is being renovated on a phased basis, the first step being to open as a performance and events venue this summer, with space for music therapy, dance, drama and yoga.
Kings Theatre director Grant Foster said: “It will be the first stage of a unique development in Fife, beginning with the provision of an arts venue for Kirkcaldy, but ultimately leading to a training and theatre venue unmatched elsewhere.”
