PLANS to take over Network Rail’s accommodation units at Leven’s Kirkland Yard and bring about benefits for numerous community projects are being pursued by Fife Council.
The site currently houses the rail organisation’s own staff and subcontractors involved in the construction of the Levenmouth rail link, which is due to be fully operational later this year.
Fife Council has set aside £80,000 from the community recovery fund towards the purchase of the modular units. Fife Heritage Railway (FHR), which owns the land, wants to use the site to expand its offering as a tourist attraction and would be the managing organisation for the facility.
FHR has plans to become a top tourist destination that will look after the future of its locomotives, rolling stock, and other artefacts of local and regional historic value, while the project’s expansion would also bring about various other social and economic benefits, Fife Council said.
In addition, the reuse of the Network Rail units could also benefit the Leven programme, which is looking to develop its river park project. The site could be a physical gateway for the community and visitors to engage with the park, its cultural and natural heritage, while it could also house the likes of a café, meeting spaces, information, training, toilets, and other facilities.
Councillor Colin Davidson, Levenmouth area committee convener, said, “While it’s still early days, it’s clear the gains for a range of projects in the Levenmouth area could be significant. The Kirkland Yard site has huge potential and we’re keen to make sure these units are kept in productive use long after Network Rail is finished its work on reinstating the rail link.”
Fife Council said the total purchase cost for the accommodation units is £80,000, even though the original investment into the site by Network Rail is understood to be over £500,000.
