An arts group hoping to move into Dunfermline’s old fire station is waiting to hear if it has secured charity status.
Fire Station Creative has been given until August to develop a proposal for turning the art deco building in Carnegie Drive into an arts hub.
The group estimates the cost of transforming the former fire station would be in the region of £167,000. Artist Ian Moir from Fire Station Creative said a “very robust business plan” was being prepared.
He said: “The top two floors would be occupied by different people within the creative industries painters, graphic designers, jewellers and so on.
“The ground floor, which is currently the engine room of the fire station, would be a large gallery with a caf. We’re also hoping to develop around the back of the building.
“We’re working closely with Fife Council to develop the project. We’ve been allocated a year, dating back to last August, to bring the project together.
“We’re currently in the process of trying to raise the funds to pay for architects’ drawings and building warrants. We’ve applied for charity status and we should hear back very shortly.”
Fire Station Creative includes professionals from backgrounds including business, marketing and accountancy. Among its members is John Gibson, who runs Coburg House Art Studios in Edinburgh.
Mr Moir continued: “I take some comfort from the fact that John Gibson has already made a success of a project.
“The feasibility study demonstrated there is a demand for such a centre. There are lots of different artists’ groups and this would give the artistic community of West Fife a focus.
“In West Fife there is really a lack of provision. By bringing in quality artists to Dunfermline, hopefully young people can take some inspiration from that and consider a future in the creative industries.”
Mr Moir added that Fire Station Creative was working with trade union Community with a view to setting up a mentorship scheme for people seeking a career in the creative sector.
Under offer signs have been put on the property because it was taken off the market by Fife Council to allow Fire Station Creative to work up plans. The decision to take the building off the market was not without controversy.
Council leader Alex Rowley was accused of giving Fire Station Creative “preferential treatment”.
Mr Rowley defended the decision by stating he had no personal involvement with the group and there had been “no formal approaches” from any other developers.
It is understood there was some interest from a number of parties after the building was put on the market for £375,000.
One proposal was to turn it into a Mexican restaurant.
Picture by David Wardle