Fife Council has said regeneration plans for Hillend and Donibristle Industrial Estate are continuing following a successful feedback event.

The event on the draft report was held last week and included participants from the business community, land and property owners, developers, local and community councillors and council officers with the key findings and recommendations for the estate presented and discussed with the consultants – yellow book.

The industrial estate is recognised as an important employment and economic hub and accommodates more than 120 businesses and 2,000-plus employees in a location which continues to be attractive to a whole range of businesses from sole traders to internationally recognised companies.

It also hosts seven of the top 100 businesses in Fife.

The estate evolved from a military airfield, but is showing signs of its age with associated problems of obsolescence, vacancy and dereliction.

-- Advertisement --

As a result, the council has been working with consultants and businesses to develop a pragmatic regeneration action plan which will secure the future of the estate.

Councillor Lesley Laird, Executive Member for Business, Enterprise, Economy and Planning said: "The project has highlighted the need for coordinated action from both the council and businesses to improve the environment with new signage, branding and landscape improvements as well as possible solutions for on-going estate maintenance and options for the redevelopment of those areas affected by dereliction and lack of investment.

"Consideration is also being given to support complementary uses within the estate to encourage investment, creating an interactive environment with a running track and low maintenance landscaping such as an orchard and allotments and consideration of the development of a Business Improvement District.

"It's important that all businesses are aware that they are invited to join a steering group to co-ordinate and drive delivery of the plan. Working in partnership with business and all stakeholders is a key priority for the Council.

"The focus of the project is to protect employment within the estate by providing a masterplan which with co-ordinated delivery can secure its future for another generation."

Feedback from last week's meeting will be included into the consultants final report, which will then be presented to elected members after the summer recess for formal consideration.

(JP/CD)