Supporting Statement
Fife Historic Buildings Trust, a Building Preservation Trust, was established in1997....
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Fife Historic Buildings Trust, a Building Preservation Trust, was established in1997. Its main activity is the restoration of key heritage properties. It has an excellent track record, with successful restoration projects completed in West Wemyss, Dysart, Kirkcaldy and Kinghorn.
Burntisland station was a key rail link in the days before the Forth Rail Bridge was built and the buildings association with it belie its current role and importance. These buildings had become redundant over the years and had fallen into disrepair before FHBT became involved in the late 2000s. The significance of the buildings is illustrated by the fact they were, as a group, B listed in 1972.
FHBT was successful in putting together a funding package for the refurbishment of the buildings. Funding sources were Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Burntisland Development Trust, Fife Environment Trust, ERDF, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, Architectural Heritage Fund and FHBT itself.
The first phase of seven units is almost fully let to a diverse range of businesses including an architect's firm, jewellers and the Fife Diet project. The community room is available for use by local organisations.
It is hoped that the second phase, 'The Platform', in which there has been a great deal of interest from artists and craftspeople, will be fully let by spring of 2012 and become a centre for the creative industries.
The refurbished buildings are located in the docks area of Burntisland and the project has contributed to the regeneration and transformation of a previously blighted area. As well as the creation of 12 business units and potentially new employment for the town, the project has created a much needed community facility and improved access to and from the area.