Work has begun on a huge new development in Dunfermline which is expected to create more than 2,150 homes and become one of Scotland’s largest new communities.
The 223-hectare Kingswood development, on the south-western edge of the city, will be built in phases over the next 25 to 30 years.
Around a quarter of the homes are expected to be affordable, while plans also include employment land, shops, healthcare and community facilities, a new primary school and extensive areas of green space.
Kingswood forms part of the wider Dunfermline North, West and South West Strategic Land Allocation and is the largest residential-led development site allocated in Fife.
Lead developer Stirling Developments has been working with Fife Council on the masterplan for more than two decades.
Detailed permission has already been granted for the first infrastructure works, including part of a new Western Distributor Road, as well as the first phases of housing.
Taylor Wimpey secured detailed consent earlier this year for 141 homes within the first phase, ranging from two to five bedrooms. A separate first-phase development of 149 homes has also received approval.
The wider development is intended to create a series of connected neighbourhoods rather than a standalone housing estate, with parks, greenways and walking and cycling routes linking different parts of Kingswood and providing new connections towards Dunfermline city centre.
Around 68 hectares of land have also been earmarked for employment uses, alongside retail, community and healthcare facilities.
Fife Council leader David Ross said: “Kingswood has been a key part of the council’s long-term vision for growth in the area and will help meet the need for new homes while creating a sustainable new community.
“The development has been designed to ensure that homes, jobs, schools, services and green spaces are integrated from the outset.”
He added that the project would support Dunfermline’s continuing expansion following the town being awarded city status in 2022.
Peter Stirling, managing director of Stirling Developments, said the company had acted as planner and project leader for the site for more than 20 years.
He said: “I’m delighted site works have now commenced, it’s an important milestone for Dunfermline and the city’s future.”
The design of the new city quarter takes inspiration from Dunfermline’s town planning work of the 1920s and the principles associated with pioneering Scottish town planner Sir Patrick Geddes, with green spaces and neighbourhood connections intended to form a central part of the development.