Seeding regeneration …

Plans for the redevelopment of Watts – to include the 19th century building, the former Jordans nightclub and the buildings once occupied by McOsyter Paper Crafts & Poles Apart – were submitted in May of this year.

Andrew Craig of Stone Acre, the Fife-based developer looking to re-imagine the site, explains: “We have received valuable feedback regarding the proposed removal of the rear wall of the Watts building. In response, we’ve revised our plans to retain the original stair and the curved wall.”

Andrew adds: “Keeping these features allows us to maintain more of the unique and interesting elements of the listed building, whilst at the same time, the revised design will still allow for a larger, more open area that meets modern operational standards.”

Mixed use …

Just as in the past, the future of the site will see mixed use …

• Watts – the restoration of the historic B-listed Watts of Cupar building; the developer hopes to attract a restaurant/bar operator to the a two-storey conversion
• Drive-thru – anchored by Starbucks (pre-let)
• Retail – three purpose-built retail units
• Parking – 37 car parking spaces with accessible bays, and electric vehicle charging points

Tony Miklinski, Chair of Cupar’s Development Trust, supports the plans, saying: “We undertook a significant consultation with residents and businesses in 2023 through our Community Action Plan, the outputs of which called for regeneration of derelict properties, an increase in the retail, tourism and hospitality offering for the town and the creation of new jobs.” Tony adds: “If the exciting plans for the site come to fruition, not only will they meet some of the core expectations of the Action Plan but also the subsequent Youth Charette and Local Place Plan.”