22-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Work to restore historic Inverkeithing town centre picks up pace
Among the planned works is the restoration of the town's Mercat Cross, said to be of of the best surviving examples in the UK.
The works, focused on the High Street, Market Square and Townhall Street, began in December.
It will see an overall upgrade of pavement and road surfaces, create more people-friendly spaces and improve the setting of the town's heritage structures.
The Mercat Cross will be taken off-site for specialist conservation and repair work and will be later moved into an upgraded position in the market square.
The Mercat Cross (Image: Jim McLeish) Work on Church Street has been completed, as well as most of Townhall Street and Bank Street. Currently, the focus has shifted to Bank Street, before continuing with the High Street and progressing towards Hope Street.
Improvement works to the main parking area on the High Street is set to begin towards the end of May and run to early July.
There will continue to be free parking in the Queen Street car park during this time.
Most of the construction work is due to be finished by the end of July.
Councillor David Barratt, Convener of the South and West Fife Area Committee said: 'It's great to see these much-needed and long awaited improvement works underway.
'I look forward to our upgraded historic town centre attracting residents and visitors to this year's Lammas Fair as we take the opportunity to relaunch the historic fair during the first week in August.'
The streetscape works, led by Fife Council's Roads team, are part of the wider five-year Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration project that began in 2019.
Inverkeithing High Street (Image: Fife Council) Over the past five years, Fife Council has worked with Fife Historic Buildings Trust and the local community to invest in Inverkeithing's historic buildings and streets to support the town's future.
The Inverkeithing Town House has been repaired and redeveloped, other historic buildings have benefitted from a building repair grant scheme and a varied heritage themed training and activity programme has been delivered for adults and young people.
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Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Fife Council, Scottish Government and other funding schemes.
The scope of works planned has expanded since it started in 2019 with up to £4.6 million now being invested in Inverkeithing's heritage over the course of the programme.
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: "We are committed to supporting heritage that contributes to communities and economies.
'Thanks to National Lottery players this streetscape work will deliver a welcoming environment that celebrates the historic heart of Inverkeithing."
Inverkeithing Town House (Image: NQ) Dr Susan O'Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, added: 'We are delighted to support Inverkeithing's transformation through our Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).
'The streetscape improvements, including the conservation of the Mercat Cross, reflect the culmination of five years of dedicated work to enhance Inverkeithing's historic environment.
'By investing in its heritage, we can help create a more attractive town centre for local community and visitors alike, ensuring Inverkeithing's rich history continues to inspire.'
