WORK is set to begin on the build of the largest residential-led development site allocated in Fife.
Covering around 223 hectares, the Kingswood development site in Dunfermline received planning permission in principle in 2019 and is expected to deliver more than 2,150 homes.
To be delivered in phases over the next 25 to 30 years, the development will feature employment land, healthcare and community facilities, retail, open space, and active travel routes.
Fife Council has worked closely with lead developer, Stirling Developments, over a number of years to help bring forward the vision for the site and ensure the infrastructure needed to support a growing community is delivered alongside development.
Detailed planning approvals have already been granted for early infrastructure works, including part of the new Western Distributor Road, together with strategic design frameworks and the first residential phases of the development.
Fife Council leader, councillor David Ross, said, “Kingswood has been a key part of the council’s long-term vision for growth in the area and will help meet the need for new homes while creating a sustainable new community. The development has been designed to ensure that homes, jobs, schools, services and green spaces are integrated from the outset.
“The council has worked closely with Stirling Developments and a range of partners to ensure that the infrastructure required to support the community is planned alongside development, and I’m pleased to see work now getting underway.”
The masterplan takes inspiration from the original Dunfermline Town Plan of the 1920s, which built on wider principles from Sir Patrick Geddess’ Dunfermline improvement plan, to accommodate future growth. The new city quarter will create a series of connected neighbourhoods linked by greenways, public parks and active travel routes, with new connections also planned between Kingswood and Dunfermline city centre.
The development will include around 68 hectares of employment land, retail spaces, community and healthcare facilities, at least one primary school and significant areas of landscaped open space.
Peter Stirling, Stirling Developments MD, added, “Stirling Developments have been both master planners and project leaders of this special site for over 20 years. During this period we have worked closely with Fife Council to help ensure Kingswood delivers its maximum potential for Dunfermline and the wider community. I’m delighted site works have now commenced, it’s an important milestone for Dunfermline and the City’s future.”
