A £1 million project to transform the west end of Kirkcaldy High Street is due to start in the New Year.
Fife Council’s appointed contractor, Land Engineering, will be on site setting up from Monday, with physical works to overhaul the western side of the High Street expected to begin from Monday January 11 onwards.
Footpaths, parking areas, the road surface, street lighting and street furniture will all be improved as part of the works programme, and Councillor Pat Callaghan, the council’s executive spokesperson for environment and transportation, said he is excited to see the results.
“It’s great to see work starting on this final phase of Kirkcaldy High Street,” he said.
“We’ve been able to give the businesses a clear run up to Christmas, due to the lead in times for materials.
“Investing in our town centres remains a top priority for Fife Council.
“We hope these improvements, along with the reduced parking charges, will encourage more people to visit Kirkcaldy High Street, benefiting everyone in the town centre.”
The High Street improvement programme has been delivered in three phases.
Back in 2007 work started in the east end and continued along the pedestrianised area, so far costing £4.4 million.
The contractor’s site offices will be based in Glassworks Street B car park, and that means that parking will not be available there until the works are complete.
Shoppers and other visitors to the town centre have therefore been asked to use other nearby car parks.
Bus services will also be affected by the road closures and members of the public should plan ahead before setting off on their journeys.
Bus stops will be shut off within works areas and bus users will be directed to a temporary stop on Charlotte Street, although access for emergency services and pedestrian access to businesses and properties will also be maintained at all times.
No firm timescale has yet been put on the west end works, although the project is likely to be completed in the summer.