Fife Council’s Town Centre Development Unit has drawn up a “concept design” identifying enhancements for the town centre – so there’s a “ready to go” plan in place when government funding becomes available.

Initial feedback on the potential solutions is being sought, and residents and community groups will be invited to have their say.

The South West Fife area committee agreed on Wednesday to contribute the cash towards developing detailed plans.

The plan envisions “Inverkeithing town centre as a place for people, with a strong identity, supporting an attractive, multi-functional centre which can connect with, and service the needs of, the town and any nearby visitor destinations.” Improvements highlighted include: Enhancements to provide safe and attractive places for pedestrians, and meeting/event/activity spaces.

A series of spaces to accommodate different levels of activity, from the Lammas Fair to theatre/music and informal meetings.

Building on visitor accommodation and facilities/services.

Multi-functional spaces that include car parking but also allow for other uses, such as street events.

Capitalising on Inverkeithing’s proximity to the potential Forth Bridge World Heritage Site, in terms of shops, cafes, services and events.

New town centre gateways to reinforce the town’s identity, plus improved street signage to create an network of pedestrian routes.

Inverkeithing councillor and resident Alice McGarry called the action plan “very good news”.

She told the Press, “It’s a scoping exercise. We’re going to have a consultant look at the town centre and hopefully come up with detailed plans.

“It’s really to restore some authenticity back to the square which has been lost over the years, to improve it and make the most of its wonderful features.

“Inverkeithing is one of the best examples of a medieval town in Scotland but there’s nothing left of it and it will cost millions to get it back on its feet.

“What we want is a plan that’s ready to go, so when money comes up from the Scottish Government or other sources, then we’re in a position to put forward our package in the way that other councils have done for other town centres.” Mentioned in the plan were Inverkeithing’s strengths, such as the overall “positive experience” of the town centre, with its strong urban structure, close High Street environment and clear presence of historic buildings.

It also praised the low vacancy rates along the High Street, which presented “a vibrant and busy appearance” and range of shops and services, which is “not dominated by nationals/chains”.

Other strengths noted were the strong sense of place and character, good access and connections.

However, the town has several issues, including a “tired” streetscape appearance in need of upgrade; the “negative influence” of certain buildings or shopfronts on the streetscape; and little accommodation to help retain visitors.

Important historic buildings and structures, such as Inverkeithing Friary and the Mercat Cross, are also “tucked away” or “lost within the wider streetscape”, and there is a lack of strong visual markers signalling the entrance to the town centre.

The report also questioned the best use of space for car parking within the town.