Creative business units in restored former platform buildings at Burntisland Station have been opened this week by Gordon Brown MP, Patron of Fife Historic Buildings Trust, who completed the work.

In 2010 the derelict Station House was restored and transformed into a thriving business centre and is now home to 6 businesses employing 14 people . This was followed up in 2011 with the construction of a long awaited new ramp to the station, which provides safe wheelchair and disabled access to the south platform.

Now work has been completed on a £1m restoration and conversion of the old platform buildings, last used as the railwaymen’s club, but derelict for many years.
The buildings contain a further 5 business units, but because of the demand from local artists and craftspersons these units will become a centre for artists, designers and crasftspersons and will be called “The Platform”.

The funding which made the project possible came from the European Regional Development Fund, Burntisland Development Trust, Historic Scotland, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, The Railway Heritage Trust, The Architectural Heritage Fund, Fife Council and Fife Historic Buildings Trust.

In total over £2.2m has been invested in the transformation of this historic area of Burntisland. Gordon Brown MP commented, “It is tremendous to see these valuable buildings painstakingly restored and brought back into use. These buildings are situated in a very prominant position at an important entry point into Burntisland and now project a much more positive image for the town, demonstrating how its unique heritage can be used not only to improve the townscape, but also help attract new businesses which can flourish in the town.The Trust are to be congratulated on their hard work over the past four years to bring this complex project to a successful conclusion. This is regeneration at its very best!”

Local councillors also expressed their appreciation of the work. Councillor Susan Leslie said, “I am delighted to see historic buildings coming back into use and to see this building being used for business purposes is an additional bonus for the community”. Councillor George Kay added, “I congratulate the Trust in bringing back with meaningful use these buildings, which for all too long have been an eyesore for the community”.

The buildings will remain in the ownership of Network Rail, but have been leased to the trust for 125 years. Three of the five units have already been reserved but any artists or craftspersons who are interested in renting the units should contact the Trust on 01592 890060 or fife.hbt@btconnect.com  Manager of the Trust, Alan Lodge added, “There has already been considerable interest in these units and the rental terms are very flexible and set at very competitive levels so any one interested shouldn’t delay too long!”.