Moves that could mean a bigger, better shopping centre for Kirkcaldy and new life for the town centre have been agreed by Fife councillors.

The council and owners of the Mercat, City Site Estates (CSE), have entered into a special agreement which marks the first step in a bid to redevelop the shopping centre and expand it to take in the site currently occupied by the multi-story car parks, swimming pool and nightclub.

The ambitious plans could mean the development of an 80,000 square foot supermarket and cinema on the site, and securing the interest of one of the major players in the supermarket sector will be crucial to the success of the development, according to Fife Council’s Development Manager Iain McGregor.

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He added: "The proposals centre on attracting a major supermarket as an anchor to the development. It’s important now that we get some tenants interested in the scheme and the council will be working with CSE to send a strong signal to the market place that this is a significant development opportunity in Kirkcaldy.

"In order to underline our commitment to the scheme we have entered into a special 20 month long 'lock-out' arrangement with CSE. This means that as partners we're seen to be working together towards a common goal and, as a council and landowner, we can properly manage the process."

Committee Chair Peter Grant said: "This is an exciting time for Kirkcaldy. We've made a commitment to local people that we will improve local conditions for economic development as one of our main priorities. By taking this first step we’re underlining that commitment and we will be working with CSE to make sure these ambitious plans come to fruition.

"I'm pleased that the Committee gave their unanimous support to the proposal. I look forward to seeing further reports coming to Councillors when we are ready to take final decisions about the redevelopment."

(GK/BMcC)