Pupils from Fair Isle Family Nurture Centre and members of the local 16+ EasyP programme group joined forces to help plant the new raised beds that will sit outside the state-of-the-art £15 million Templehall Community Hub.

But these raised beds aren’t just any raised beds. These raised beds have been made from salvaged beams from the old Argos Centre which once sat where the new Hub is being built by BAM Construction. We’ve also retained a beam which now sits in the heart of the new hub, where the old Argos Centre once sat, giving a nod to the past.

Lee Robertston, Community Education Worker, explained: “These beams are from the old Argos Centre which for many years was home to various youth groups. It was suggested that when the Argos was closing that it would be good to repurpose something in memory of the Argos Centre and what the facility has meant to the community over the years.

“Working with Rural Skills Scotland (RSS), the beams have been made into planters, which today we’re filling with a range of flowers, shrubs, fruit and vegetables.”

Biodiversity has been at the heart of this development from the very beginning. The new planting will not only brighten the area but also support pollinators, give wildlife more places to live, and albeit in a small way, help nature cope with changes.

Fife Council is committed to ensuring that new developments deliver real environmental benefits, and this project is another great example of how nature-rich design can be built into planning from the outset.

The Templehall Community Hub will become a focal point for local life, combining modern facilities with a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

Councillor Ian Cameron, Area Convener of Kirkcaldy Area Committee, said:
“It’s fantastic to see local pupils getting involved in this planting project. Their efforts are greatly appreciated. The Templehall Community Hub is about more than just a building – it’s about creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that reflects the needs and aspirations of local people.”

Councillor Jan Wincott, Fife Council’s Environment Spokesperson, added:
“Biodiversity and climate action are central to everything we do. By involving young people in planting projects, we’re not only improving local habitats but also inspiring the next generation to take pride in their environment. This is a great example of how we can work together to tackle the climate emergency.”