THE people of Lochgelly are to be consulted about what they want to see in the new town square which is to be created on the site beside the former St Andrews Church building.

Fife Council’s Town Centre Development Unit was at the Lochgelly Gala to update the community on the £2m town centre investment plans and consult people about what they think of the plans.

Residents were keen to hear more about the three linked projects that will transform the heart of Lochgelly by bringing two vacant historic buildings back into use and create THE new town square.

Under investment plans, the former Town House will be converted into four flats with associated new build blocks to deliver 16 new one and two bedroom council homes in the centre of town, off High Street.

St Andrews Church is set to be restored and extended. When work is completed community interest company, RockGelly, will provide soft play, indoor bouldering and climbing at the church. This recreational, fun and sporting facility is sure to appeal to many Lochgelly residents as well as the people of Fife and beyond.

A new civic square, which will sit behind the St Andrews Church and the former Town House, will also be created as part of this major regeneration project. Hazel Cross, Economic Adviser with Fife Council’s Town Centre Development Unit, was at the Lochgelly Gala to update the community of the investment plans. She said, “The local gala is a great way to chat to people about the plans for the town centre and our update generated a lot of interest . This is a really exciting project and I feel privileged to be working on it with the people of Lochgelly.” Councillor Lesley Laird, Depute Leader and Executive Spokesperson for Business Enterprise, Economy and Planning added, “Making best use of vacant and derelict land and property is extremely important to help improve and regenerate towns and villages in Fife.

“The people of Lochgelly are very excited about the RockGelly project and what it will mean to have such a facility on their doorstep.

“To help regenerate our town centres our aim is to make these places where people stay, play and work. The new homes in the heart of the town will also help address the housing need in the area and many people are looking forward to having their say on how a new town square can be developed out of the current waste ground.” During 2015 the people of Lochgelly will be asked to consider what they want from the square. They will be consulted on how they want it to look and what they want to use it for in a series of workshops. These views will then shape design proposals for the square and the people of Lochgelly will be asked which option they prefer.