Published Date: Mar 7th, 2024
An ambitious programme of improvements which aims to regenerate Riverside Park in Glenrothes has been given the go ahead by councillors.
Members of Fife Council’s Cabinet Committee have today approved plans to use almost £5 million of funding secured from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Funding to improve and develop the park to make it a ‘must visit’ destination for residents and tourists alike.
The project was identified as part of the Glenrothes Town Centre Masterplan. This investment will restore the quality of the park, keep - and indeed build upon - its three-star visitor attraction status, and encourage more people to come and visit the park and the wider area.
Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning, said the Levelling Up Fund grant will help the park realise its true potential.
“The park already boasts numerous attractive features, but this significant investment thanks to the Levelling Up Fund will enhance its appeal to both locals and visitors alike,” he explained.
“We’ve worked with the Friends of Riverside Park in the design and delivery of this project to build on the strengths and ambitions of people in the area, and the park’s regeneration will allow a greater number of people to have full use of the park and its facilities which can only be a good thing.
“We all want to make sure Riverside Park is a place we all can be proud of for generations to come, and I’m looking forward to seeing the plans come to fruition.”
A new £1 million play park is planned to provide enhanced play equipment, while a new pump (cycling) track will be fully accessible and capable of hosting international competitions.
Pond works to improve environmental quality and sustainability have already begun, but money will also be spent on enhanced park entrances, better signage, improved access, and upgrades to footpaths, street lighting, and the car park.
Fife Council was awarded £19.41m towards its River Leven Regeneration Programme by the Levelling Up Funding last year, with a £4.98m bid for the Riverside Park works as part of it.
Cllr Craik continued: “Our successful levelling up funding bid not only provides a great opportunity to regenerate, upgrade and improve Riverside Park, but it also helps us minimise annual maintenance requirements for several years.”
Construction work will take place throughout 2024 and into early 2025. There will be regular updates provided for users of the park and the Glenrothes community.
