PLANS to redevelop former Dunlop and Duracord factory – a listed building in the heart of Dunfermline – could finally be moving a step closer.

Ambitious proposals for an urban village development stalled with the economic downturn but now there is renewed interest in the 4.5-acre former Pilmuir Works site which has been put up for sale by owners Linklever.

Managing director Bill Fletcher said, “Now that progress is being made with the Tesco store that has ignited interest in the Dunlop site again.

“It’s early days but we’d be delighted to see this development take place. The development was always going to be subject to Tesco being just across the road and with the past six or seven years of delays that’s the reason that nothing’s happened.

“Things are picking up and people are starting to look at development opportunities.” With the new Tesco store opening later this year, plans progressing for the fire station arts hub and the renovated Carnegie Leisure Centre adjacent to the site, the redevelopment of the former Pilmuir Works factory would be the final piece in the jigsaw in transforming a central part of Dunfermline.

The site once provided thousands of jobs in the linen industry but has been lying derelict for years and became the target of vandalism.

Plans for retail units, a restaurant/café and residential units were lodged in 2011 and recommended for approval.

A council report on the application in 2012 stated, “The building is category A-listed and it is considered that any commercially sustainable development that allows its built fabric to survive is supported by council policy as it will safeguard the future of a nationally important building.

“The currently proposed development has not attracted a significant level of objection and will provide an increase in the number of people living within close proximity to the City Centre as well as increasing the vitality and viability in the immediate vicinity by virtue of the proposed mix of uses.”