Published Date: Apr 20th, 2026
Work to transform Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront is moving forward steadily and Fife Council is planning for a community event at the end of May, to showcase and discuss a range of projects and proposals that will start to bring shared ambitions for the town to life. 
Carol Connolly, the council’s Director of Place said: “Over the past six months or so we’ve gathered lots of information from businesses, community organisations and residents. Through engagement activities and surveys run by the council, partner organisations and local politicians, people have told us what they value, what they want to see change, and what would make the biggest difference.
“Some clear themes have emerged from conversations and feedback so far. People want to see a revitalised high street linked to a waterfront destination. They want to be able to live well in the town centre with more housing options and increased High Street footfall, and to get things moving with better transport and active travel connections. They want to harness opportunities to co-create spaces and places, and to attract more private and public investment.
“There’s already lots of thinking and a variety of projects in the pipeline that will start to respond to these ambitions. For example, a major housing development on the old Postings site, and we’re exploring potential for a unique seafront visitor attraction with a team of award-winning creators. We’re also discussing how best to increase the involvement of community, public and business organisations in this transformation and we’re backing the community-led bid for Kirkcaldy to become a UK town of culture.
“All of this, and more, is in the context of the next phase of our regeneration efforts, which will be part funded by the Growth Mission Fund, which was announced last November, and very much in line with what people have said the town needs.
“There are three interconnected strands of work. Developing the town’s greenspace to include a park along the Esplanade, enhancing amenities such as food kiosks, and supporting active travel and climate resilience. Remodelling the town centre through demolitions, land assembly and repurposing existing buildings. And developing a vibrant community facility to help connect the High Street and waterfront and serve as a catalyst for more commercial development. This building will include a destination café/restaurant as well as exhibition, creative and event space, making it an attraction for both visitors and residents. Local people will help shape how the space indoors and outdoors is used, as well as deciding on the final name.
“Regeneration is complicated and full transformation will take years. It’s not just about one or two projects – it’s more like building a jigsaw. The council doesn’t have all the pieces, but the work we are embarking on now will create the right conditions and opportunities for commercial operators and private ventures to come in and help us fill the gaps.
“We’re keen to continue the conversation with Kirkcaldy’s community about how the wider vision is shaping up in response to their feedback, and to get into some more detail around the components coming together for the next phase of transformation. I’m confident that over the next few months people will begin to see these positive developments taking shape.”
