Fife Council has achieved a major milestone in its ambitious plans to redevelop Cowdenbeath's historic Town House, successfully securing £1 million from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).

This significant funding injection paves the way to breathe new life into the C-listed building, transforming it into a sustainable and dynamic community and enterprise hub.

Working in close partnership with BRAG Enterprises, a social enterprise with a strong track record in community-focused regeneration, the council's vision is to repurpose the landmark building. It will be converted into a training and co-working enterprise space, alongside a welcoming social hub for the community. The project also aims to celebrate Cowdenbeath's rich heritage by showcasing local artefacts and narrating the town's mining past and history of community activism.

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The redevelopment is a key component of Cowdenbeath's Local Community Plan. It is expected to significantly boost access to employment, training, health, and wellbeing services, while simultaneously preserving an iconic part of the town's identity.

Councillor Linda Erskine, Spokesperson for Communities, expressed her enthusiasm: "This is fantastic news for the town and a big step forward in helping us realise the community's vision for Cowdenbeath Town House. The building is steeped in local history and this project will ensure it continues to play a central role in the life of the town – now and for generations to come."

BRAG Enterprises, known for its extensive experience in revitalising communities, will lead the project's delivery. Brian Robertson-Fern from BRAG added: "BRAG are delighted to be involved in finding a new future for this iconic local building. The building is part of the built and intangible heritage of Cowdenbeath and it has overseen the people who have lived and worked in the town for many years now. To local people it's also been a rallying point for where people could make their views known and it's a look back to the time when Cowdenbeath was once described as like the Chicago of Scotland."

Robertson-Fern further outlined the future offerings: "We will aim to deliver a range of new services from this new space along with providing affordable and accessible enterprise space and community spaces alike. We also want it to showcase local heritage and history to influence the next generation. It will be a place for the people that celebrates Cowdenbeath and its people, creating new opportunities for all."