WORK is underway to repair Inverkeithing’s historic Town House and create a ‘vibrant’ hub to be managed by the local community.
Contractor Ashwood Scotland is carrying out the repairs. The designers are ARC Architects, conservation accredited architects based in Cupar, with input from Ralph Ogg & Partners (quantity surveyor), Harley Haddow (services engineer) and David Narro Associates (structural engineer).
The project is part of the wider Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration scheme, delivered by Fife Historic Buildings Trust and Fife Council. It is funded by Fife Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government.
Lorraine Bell, manager at Fife Historic Buildings Trust, said, “The Town House project will create accessible community use spaces in the town centre, and also repair this landmark A-listed building to safeguard it for the future. The Town House will be a busy space again, used by all generations in the town centre for meetings, birthday parties, exhibitions, dance, and much more.
“Contractors are on site carrying out repairs to the historic fabric and hope to be finished by February 2023. A new lift is being installed to ensure that the Town House can be enjoyed and used by everyone. There are archaeologists on site who are sensitively managing excavations in the graveyard, which are necessary to install the lift.”
Once the contract is completed, Fife Council will carry out works to the pavement outside, and a new community Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) set up to manage the building will complete the fit-out. It is hoped the Town House will be open to the public next summer, following its £1.5 million revamp.
