A multi-million pound project to regenerate Kirkcaldy’s promenade is due to be completed on schedule, developers have confirmed.
VolkerStevin, the firm appointed to oversee construction work at the town’s waterfront, has told The Courier the project is progressing well ahead of its expected completion in October.
The promenade, a popular attraction with townsfolk, has been sealed off since July of last year as work at the site got under way.
However, with a huge transformation now clearly evident, engineers say progress has been steady and construction is now entering its final stages.
Kerry-Anne Beatson, public liaison officer for VolkerStevin, said: “We are looking forward to being able to hand back the promenade and beach to the town.
“We remain grateful to the residents of Kirkcaldy for their positive feedback and cooperation during the construction period and hope everyone will be as pleased with the new seafront as we are.”
The £9 million project was sanctioned to transform the old promenade, which had originally been constructed in the 1920s to provide work for those left unemployed during the Great Depression.
A new sea wall, raised by half a metre to address safety concerns, has been installed, while new beach access ramps have also been constructed.
Improved lighting, shelters and seating are being put in place in an effort to encourage more people to make use of the waterfront, particularly in the summer months. New sea defences are also a crucial part of the project, with 83,000 tonnes of rock having been placed before the sea wall in an effort to dissipate strong waves and end the regular flooding which blighted the old promenade.
Councillor Pat Callaghan, Fife Council’s executive spokesperson for the environment and transportation, said: “I am delighted to see this project making such great progress. People in the town can really start to see things taking shape and it’s great to know we’re still on course to finish as projected in October.
“This £9 million major redevelopment will make the sea wall a more attractive place for local people and visitors to enjoy and capitalise on the spectacular waterfront of the Lang Toun.”