One of Glenrothes’ largest retail spaces could be earmarked for regeneration in proposals to be laid out before town councillors next month.
The former Co-op department store is one of five buildings in the area identified as “dilapidated” and qualifying for council intervention.
The retail unit, one of the largest in the Kingdom Centre, has been unused since the Co-op closed the store around four years ago.
As signs of disrepair begin to emerge, local representatives will be asked to discuss whether it or other pre-identified buildings could be in line for funding or other forms of aid to help preserve them for future years.
In a report prepared for councillors, Ian McCrory, Fife Council’s lead officer for regeneration, says: “Tackling dilapidated properties is a significant undertaking, although the majority of the financial burden is the responsibility of private owners.
“There is no dedicated council budget for tackling issues of dilapidation but area and town centre budgets might assist efforts in some cases.
“The opportunity to recharge costs to private owners will also be pursued where relevant.
“A significant financial responsibility falls on property owners but many are unable to raise finance in the current, difficult financial climate to address the issues.
“Without intervention, the costs associated with remedying these issues are likely to rise further. There are indirect costs to Fife’s economy and communities from these eyesores.”
Other buildings identified as potentially falling into disrepair include the Budgie’s Warehouse site in Leslie High Street, the former five-a-side complex at Viewfield and the Glenwood shops.
Members of Glenrothes area committee will discuss the proposals at its next meeting on Wednesday January 8.