A new cultural facility has been opened in Fife.

Construction work on the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries (DCL&G) was completed by BAM late last year.

The project is the result of a 10-year programme to combine two B-listed buildings – the existing Carnegie library and a former bank branch – into a new facility.

Designed by Richard Murphy Architects, features include a new purpose-built modern extension overlooking the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey containing a museum over two floors, three temporary exhibition galleries, a café, a shop, a new children's library and the Reading Room – a local history, study and archives space.

Recently, the project won Edinburgh Architectural Association's ‘Building of the Year' and ‘Large Project of the Year' awards. A formal opening ceremony is scheduled to take place later this year.

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Steve Grimmond, Fife Council's Chief Executive, said: "This impressive new facility in the heart of Dunfermline's Heritage Quarter is set to be a real cultural asset for Fife.

"It's been an ambitious and demanding project for those involved but seeing the finished product and the reaction from visitors highlights just how significant this building will be for the town centre. Investing funding in the venture, alongside Heritage Lottery Fund and Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, means that Dunfermline now has a museum fitting to its royal story."

Bruce Dickson, BAM Regional Director, said: "Everyone involved in the project should be applauded. Our clients for their vision in embarking on such an ambitious scheme as far back as 2007, the designers for working with us to make that vision possible and the BAM site team who have not had the easiest job of turning all those visions into reality.

"The combination of refurbishment of listed buildings, very modern glazed new build extensions, significantly restricted access and working space and multiple interfaces made this a very difficult and challenging project."

(LM/MH)