Kirkcaldy Town House is on target to open for business next February following its £3 million facelift.
The category B-listed building closed last autumn and is on track to see the major refurbishment work completed by the end of this year.
However, while it will be revamped to provide modern accommodation, much of its tradition will be kept.
The refurbishment has been carefully designed to preserve the original where possible and make sure the new features are in keeping with the Scandinavian-influenced 1930s building’s style.
Features that have been kept include the original Nairn flooring in all the main corridors and the foyer and stair panelling.
Other improvements to the building include a new heating system using refurbished original radiators, new secondary glazing, improved lighting and ventilation and new roof coverings, including upgraded insulation and roof lights.
When the Town House reopens customers will have a new local office designed around their needs.
Similar to some of Fife Council’s other major refurbishment projects there will be more private interview rooms, self-service units and LCD screens to provide customers with information in different ways, depending on the complexity of their enquiry.
A purpose-built suite of teaching accommodation for community learning and development will be located on the ground floor. Existing committee rooms, the main chamber and marriage room remain on the first floor and will have improved access.
One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of walls to create open plan offices. As a nod to the original design, the corridors include half height partitions and a feature ceiling.
The office accommodation will be primarily occupied by social work, housing and corporate services staff. In addition, the building has a corporate touchdown zone to support mobile and flexible work style as well as a cafe.
The work is part of Fife Council’s ongoing programme to reduce its carbon footprint, energy costs and revenue expenditure by housing staff in fewer buildings.
Work started on the current town house in 1937 from a design by architects David Carr and William Howard of Edinburgh.