An ambitious town centre revitalisation plan for Lochgelly is taking shape now that Fife Council is progressing work on the project’s affordable housing element.

Work is underway to convert the Lochgelly Town House into four new flats along with the construction of 12 new build flats on the adjacent site in Hall Street. Due to be completed in spring 2016, the one and two bedroom flats will contribute towards much needed affordable housing for the area.

The progress is part of a wider ‘three-project’ investment programme for Lochgelly. Over the next few years this will also deliver the restoration and conversion of St Andrews Church into an indoor climbing and bouldering centre and a new ‘public realm’ including a new town square in the heart of Lochgelly.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, executive committee spokesperson for housing & building services, said: “These projects are an important step in the continued investment to transform the area, not to mention yet another significant milestone for the council’s housing building programme to deliver 2,700 new affordable homes for rent by 2017.

“Restoring the Town House into flats for rent will give this vacant historic building, in the heart of town, a new lease of life. The construction of the new homes is being managed in house by Fife Council’s Building Services. Most of the restoration work is also being carried out ‘in house’ including the roof and window replacement to the Town House as well as the electrical work on both the new build and the conversion.”

The energy efficient new build flats have been designed with high levels of insulation and air tightness to the building fabric. The energy efficiency of both the new build and converted flats has also been boosted by the use of heat recovery technology in the heating and ventilation systems.

Cllr Hamilton added: “The additional benefits of the development are important too. At the moment the council has two third year roofer apprentices working on the site gaining very valuable training and experience. A number of local construction firms have also picked up contracts to develop elements of the project as it progresses.”

The Affordable Housing Programme is collaboration between affordable housing providers in Fife including Fife Council, housing associations, private developers and a number of Scottish Government initiatives. It has a target to deliver 2,700 new affordable homes for Fife by 2017. For more information on the affordable housing programme or to download a copy of the latest annual report, click here.

@FifeCouncil