Lochgelly – St Andrew’s Church

FHBT supported Fife Council with a two-phase project to repair and adapt this landmark building in the centre of Lochgelly:

• In 2018 we worked with ECD Architects and John Smart & Son main contractors to repair the church and introduce new electrical services and plumbing.
• From 2020 Clark Contracts completed a second phase of works on internal fit-out, construction of an extension for climbing walls, and creation of a landscaped square and pedestrian route behind the building.

The work was planned in support of Fife Council’s efforts with social enterprise Rockgelly to develop a Fife Regional Climbing & Bouldering Centre – through the adaptation of the church to create a climbing and bouldering centre, and a new extension for competition-height climbing. The project was identified through a ‘charrette’ exercise sponsored by Scottish Government that gave local people an opportunity to participate in a discussion about how physical, social and economic sustainability might be achieved in their town.

Use as a climbing centre is currently on hold, whilst Fife Council explores other uses of the space to support health and wellbeing in the local community.

Funded by the Scottish Government and by Fife Council, the development supports the efforts of local people and partner organisations over many years – recognised previously in Lochgelly being named “Scotland’s Most Improved Town” at the SURF awards in 2016.