A £250million development of the former Tullis Russell paper factory in Fife can ‘transform’ the area and provide a huge boost to the local economy, its developers have said.
The residential-led mixed use development of the 130 acre site was given the green light by Fife Council yesterday. It will deliver up to 850 new homes (85 of which will be affordable homes), a care home and retirement village, as well as new commercial, retail and leisure space.
Advance Construction (GD) – a partnership between transport tycoons Sandy and James Easdale and Advance Construction – will oversee the development of the site between Glenrothes and Markinch over the next decade and is already attracting major interest from leading house builders.
Lead planning consultant Barton Willmore has worked closely with Advance Construction (GD) Ltd to develop the plans, providing town planning, masterplanning, landscape, environmental impact assessment and socio-economic assessment services for the project.
The Glenrothes project is one of a number of joint ventures between the parties, with similar plans for the former IBM site in Spango Valley near Greenock also unveiled this week.
Sandy Easdale said: “We’re delighted that councillors have given the go-ahead to the regeneration of the former Tullis Russell paper mill site. This development has the power to transform Glenrothes and breathe new life into the local economy.
“We forecast that the development will cost in the region of £250million, creating 300 jobs during construction and 800 permanent jobs once complete. We want to see lasting benefits to the region from this development and the improvements to the road network, especially at the Cadham junction, will be positive for existing residents and businesses.
“Our project team, led by experts at Advance Construction, will be undertaking groundworks and civil engineering work on the site but we will be working in conjunction with leading housebuilders to create high quality residential units. We have already had five housebuilders from across the UK expressing serious interest in the site and we expect this number to increase over the next few months.
“This is going to be an exceptional development with great transport and leisure options and there is great anticipation about what it will deliver for the region’s bright future.”
Seamus Shields, owner of Advance Construction, said: “We’re proud that we have received planning permission from Fife Council and our appreciation goes to the local authority and other stakeholders in assisting us to create a vision that will benefit Glenrothes from years to come.
“Advance Construction has extensive experience in delivering large-scale projects and this is one that we’re excited about getting underway knowing the demand that exists for new homes and jobs in the area. We remain committed to working with local residents and businesses as the construction gets underway and we start to deliver the concept that promises to rejuvenate this landmark site.”