A development company seeks to transform a vacant shop into a smaller retail space
Kirkcaldy: So, there’s this old Poundstretchers shop on the High Street that’s been sitting empty for ages. A company called Raya Land Developments picked it up at auction, hoping to turn it into flats.
But right now, they’re asking Fife Council for permission to split the ground floor into a smaller retail space. This move could help them manage their business rates better and fix up the place with new windows and a fresh entrance.
The building is in pretty rough shape, and the upper floors haven’t been touched in about 15 years. The owners even called the shopfront “dead” and “unsightly” in their planning statement.
They mentioned that the ground floor has been expanded over the years, making it one big unit for business rates. That’s a hefty cost for anyone wanting to move in, and the owners think it’s a real hassle.
They pointed out that the rates are holding them back from investing in the property, which is why it’s been vacant for so long. They’re hoping this planning request will kickstart the process of fixing up this prime spot in town.
The developers are clear that the building, as it stands, isn’t really usable. But they do want to eventually bring the whole place back to life, including the upper floors.
They see this application for a smaller retail unit as just the first step. If they get the green light, they’ll start cleaning up the place, removing any vandalism and assessing what needs to go.
Fife Council will take a look at the application and decide what happens next. Fingers crossed for some positive changes on the High Street!
