PLANS are progressing for a near £2m revamp of a prominent Cowdenbeath landmark.

BRAG (Benarty Regeneration Action Group) Enterprise hosted a consultation evening earlier this month outlining their proposals for the Town House which they hope will see it brought back into use as a community hub.

The organisation's managing director, Brian Robertson-Fern, said the event had been a positive one where they had been able to explain their ideas.

"INCH architecture along with representation from the council were in attendance with myself taking the lead," he explained. "We had around 15 local people attend.

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"I explained that the Town House was currently a liability rather than an asset and although currently wind and watertight, the building required complete upgrading to improve insulation, electrical, mechanical systems etc.

"It also needed to be made fit for purpose for its proposed new uses."

BRAG say a condition survey carried out in 2019 has now been updated while they have two separate valuations suggesting the building is currently valued at £150,000.

Discussions with the council around ownership have concluded with the proposal that the building could be asset transferred to BRAG although this would be subject to a full asset transfer process and approval by elected members.

Work to refurbish the facility is likely to be around £2m while £100,000 would be required in year one to support the new facility, currently titled the People's Centre, to break even.

After renovation and re-opening, the building could include small offices and studios, meeting and event spaces as well as a community café/social space.

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Local heritage displays would be put up on walls and in common areas with the building acting as a focal point for local history telling with the option to host lectures and social evenings.

"The business plan is already drafted and INCH Architecture were assigned as our architectural team earlier this year," added Mr Robertson-Fern.

"Interim support is being offered to BRAG from Architectural Heritage Fund and Fife Council for exploration costs to date albeit accepting that the funding landscape at the moment is not being kind to projects like this due to other more pressing priorities.

"A letter of support was issued by the council who are keen to find a new use for this iconic building."