Published Date: Feb 1st, 2021
The vision to create an accessible and vibrant new community hub in the A listed Inverkeithing Town House will now be possible, thanks to a generous £475,000 grant to Fife Council from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
This project will transform an at risk civic landmark into an active community hub for Inverkeithing – managed by and for the community. The Inverkeithing Town House is a three-storey A-listed building in the town centre Conservation Area. By enabling a local community organisation to take on the management of the building, repairing the fabric and making all the spaces more accessible and flexible, it will be the perfect location for new events such as film nights and exercise classes. It will also continue to offer space established groups such as the Community Council and Inverkeithing Local History Society.
The building is a Common Good asset, stewarded by Fife Council, who have committed to leasing the building to a community-run management organisation. The project has been developed over time by Fife Council in partnership with local people, supported by Fife Historic Buildings Trust, as part of its flagship Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration scheme for the town, now underway. The scheme is generously funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.
Councillor Alice McGarry, Area Convener - South and West Fife Area Committee said:
“This is more good news for Inverkeithing and its regeneration. This Scottish Government funding is going to help make local people’s vision for the Town House as a community use hub, a reality. It will also complement other town centre investment being delivered as part of the Heritage Regeneration programme. This includes major streetscape uplift in the High Street and the Market Square; a grant scheme for repairs to other historic buildings, and a wide range of training and education courses and activities for the whole community. These are designed to improve heritage skills and knowledge for both adults and children. “
Councillor Altany Craik, Convener - Economy Tourism. Strategic Planning & Transportation Sub.Committee said:
“Like many towns today, Inverkeithing has to contend with a range of challenges, like changing shopping habits, and as an historic centre, it needs investment to tackle dilapidation associated with older buildings. To have a sustainable future the town needs to evolve and improve to attract both locals and visitors. Inverkeithing has the potential for step change by making the most of its heritage and history, and this funding can help that to happen.”
Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration scheme is delivered by Fife Historic Buildings Trust on behalf of Fife Council. Lorraine Bell, Fife Historic Buildings Trust Manager said:
“We are so excited to be working with local people, to create a vibrant community hub at the Town House with new activities for all to enjoy. With support from ourselves, Fife Council, Community Enterprise and ARC Architects this A listed building will have a bright new future with something to offer everyone in the town. If anyone would like to come on board and work with people locally to make a real success of this project, please do let us know. We need skills and enthusiasm in building management, marketing, facilities management, events management and much more – and everyone will be assured of a very warm welcome. The group meets by Zoom once a month – please get in touch if you would like to be involved.”
Work at the Town House is expected to start later this year and take around. 12 months to complete.
The Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund award, when combined with the support from the Historic Environment Scotland Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), National Lottery Heritage Fund, Fife Council money and other funding contributions, gives an overall regeneration package of over £4 million for the five-year programme of heritage themed improvement and investment in the town, 2019-2024.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please email inverkeithing@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk or visit www.fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk/inverkeithing