NEW modern and attractive business units which will create and sustain jobs in the Levenmouth area have moved a step closer – courtesy of funding from the Levenmouth Reconnected Programme.
Almost £715,000 has been allocated from the LRP’s £10 million fund to bolster what’s available at Levenmouth Business Park, with seven new employment units – comprising an incredible 753m² of business space – being developed in a prime location.
The site is not only close to the proposed Leven and Cameron Bridge train stations and will therefore benefit from active travel routes and other sustainable travel options, but the new units will be heated and built to a higher specification – making Levenmouth Business Park an attractive proposition for a wide range of business occupiers and their employees.
Around 25 jobs are expected to be created as a direct result of the new units, while construction itself is estimated to create at least 26 additional jobs.
Pamela Stevenson, Economic Development Service Manager at Fife Council, said the new units will complement Levenmouth’s existing business base and will benefit businesses who wish to locate to the area and benefit from the enhanced rail accessibility.
“This project is a clear illustration of the economic development commitments to and within Mid Fife,” she said.
“The project can be regionally contextualised in so far as it is a practical demonstration of our delivery of the Council’s Mid Fife Economic Investment Prospectus and Action Plan published in April 2021.”
“It also, locally, aligns with the Levenmouth Local Community Plan and provides opportunity for existing and new business growth, which in time will create additional jobs and skills.”
“This will help, it is hoped, to ensure that business occupiers will benefit from sustainable travel options for visitors and staff in addition to assisting in increasing use of the railway line itself.”
Located within just 1.3km of the proposed Cameron Bridge rail station, the new Business Park also provides opportunity for business occupiers within the proposed employment units to increase sustainable travel patterns and will therefore serve to encourage higher patronage at that location by modes such as foot, wheeling, cycle or bus.
Pamela added: “Overall, the award of funding from Levenmouth Reconnected is welcomed and Fife Council’s Economic Development team look forward to supporting further investment and economic benefits as the rail project progresses.”
The Levenmouth Reconnected Programme is welcoming applications for grant funding for proposed projects that support the four key grant themes:
- Opportunities for all
- Inclusive jobs and growth
- Thriving places
- Community led services.
Projects must also maximise the economic and social value of the re-opened rail link to Leven to the communities of the Levenmouth area.
The second round of applications for large grant funding is ongoing and these are being assessed, but applications for the fund’s small grants scheme can be submitted at any time.
Applicants can apply for a maximum of 90% of an eligible project’s total costs of no more than £5,000 (exclusive of VAT), while applications are also welcome for up to £5,000 towards the cost of larger eligible projects.
For more information about the Levenmouth Reconnected Programme and/or how to apply for funding, visit levenmouthreconnected.fife.scot.
