Transformation of former paper mill in Fife gets the go-ahead

Developers in Scotland have claimed that a £250 million development for the former Tullis Russell paper factory in Fife can transform the area and provide a significant boost to the local economy.

Last week, Fife Council gave the green light to the residential-led mixed-use development of the 130-acre site. Once complete, it will deliver up to 850 new homes (85 of which will be affordable), a care home and retirement village, as well as new commercial, retail and leisure space.

The development of the site between Glenrothes and Markinch will be overseen by Advance Construction (GD) – a partnership between transport tycoons Sandy and James Easdale and Advance Construction – over the next decade and is already attracting major interest from leading housebuilders.

Barton Willmore, the leading planning consultant for the scheme, has worked closely with Advance Construction (GD) to develop the plans - providing town planning, masterplanning, landscape, an 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 proposals for the former IBM site in Spango Valley near Greenock also unveiled this week, where the Easdale brothers aim to create a sustainable, mixed-use village of around 1,000 people within approximately 450 homes. 

“We’re delighted that councillors have given the go-ahead to the regeneration of the former Tullis Russell paper mill site,” Sandy Easdale, a former Rangers FC director, said. “This development has the power to transform Glenrothes and breathe new life into the local economy.”

He added: “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.”

The brothers’ project team, led by experts at Advance Construction, will be undertaking groundworks and civil engineering work on the site, but will also 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,” Sandy Easdale explained. “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 his firm was proud to have received planning permission from Fife Council to kickstart the project. “Our appreciation goes to the local authority and other stakeholders in assisting us to create a vision that will benefit Glenrothes for years to come.”

He added: “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.”

Fife, a region on the east coast of Scotland, is home to a number of rustic villages and charming towns, while the historically significant county also plays host to the University of St Andrews and is often labelled as the Home of Golf thanks to its wide range of courses and long history and connection to the sport.

There are a number of ongoing regeneration schemes of town centre environments throughout Fife, including the transformation of Kirkcaldy Waterfront and the Glenrothes Town Centre Action Plan.