Tesco bosses have admitted work on their new Dunfermline store will not start until next February.
Construction should have started on completion of the new road network around the Carnegie Drive site, which would have seen the store opening next spring.
However, the supermarket giant has said that, while committed to its plans, it will now only start work on the store itself next February, effectively mothballing it for eight months.
Earlier this year there were rumours that once the first phase of roadworks were complete work would be suspended. This was denied by a Tesco spokesman.
Similar rumours have now been circulating, leading Tesco corporate affairs manager Doug Wilson to admit the timescale has been pushed back.
However, he said the firm is ”still fully committed” to the new town centre store.
Mr Wilson said work will start in February, with a view to the store opening its doors in October, ”bringing with it the promised jobs and investment”. Recruitment would start a year from now.
Former City of Dunfermline area chairman Joe Rosiejak said: ”While the announcement about the commitment is welcomed, I fear I am a Doubting Thomas and I’ll believe it when I can walk into the store and buy a carton of milk.
”In other words, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Maggie Mitchell, chief executive of Dunfermline Delivers, added: ”We had a meeting with Tesco earlier this week, at which they reaffirmed their commitment to developing their new Dunfermline store.
”We are pleased the site won’t remain empty for too much longer. In the meantime, we are holding regular discussions with Tesco and other stakeholders to make sure disruption to our members and their customers is minimised while the site is in development.”
Fife Council leader Alex Rowley said: ”It’s great news that Tesco have confirmed the timescales for completing this development and I know the local community will welcome the progress as much as the council.
”Hot on the heels of our town centre event, this is another bit of positive news for Dunfermline. As well as giving shoppers more choice and bringing jobs to the area, Tesco have invested in the local infrastructure.”