The Platform Burntisland

  • Fife Historic Buildings Trust
  • £70,000
  • 32 Weeks
  • Traditional Contract

This 1847 building was originally the terminus for trains to and from the North for the ferry to Edinburgh before the Forth Rail Bridge opened in 1890 and has been sympathetically restored by Hadden Construction for Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT).

The building, which provides office startup space for local businesses, was offically opened by the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP.

Now work has been completed on the restoration and conversion of the old B Listed platform buildings, last used as the railwaymen’s club, but derelict for many years.

The building contains 5 business units, and with strong demand from local artists and craftspersons these units will become a centre for artists, designers and crafttspersons and will be called “The Platform”.

Fife Historic Buildings Trust, a Building Preservation Trust, was established in1997. Its main activity is the restoration of key heritage properties. It has an excellent track record, with successful restoration projects completed in West Wemyss, Dysart, Kirkcaldy and Kinghorn. 

Alan Lodge, Manager of FHBT commented on our works: 'Delighted with the performance. The quality of work, responsiveness, and delivery within a very tight timescale was greatly appreciated by the Trust. The site agent and site supervision was excellent. I have not given such a glowing report to previous contractors, but in this case it is fully deserved.'

Burntisland station was a key rail link in the days before the Forth Rail Bridge was built. These buildings had become redundant over the years and had fallen into disrepair before FHBT became involved in the late 2000s. The significance of the buildings is illustrated by the fact they were, as a group, B listed in 1972.

FHBT was successful in putting together a funding package for the refurbishment of the buildings. Funding sources were Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Burntisland Development Trust, Fife Environment Trust, ERDF, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, Architectural Heritage Fund and FHBT itself.

The first phase of seven units is almost fully let to a diverse range of businesses including an architect's firm, jewellers and the Fife Diet project. The community room is available for use by local organisations.

The refurbished buildings are located in the docks area of Burntisland and the project has contributed to the regeneration and transformation of a previously blighted area. As well as the creation of 12 business units and potentially new employment for the town, the project has created a much needed community facility and improved access to and from the area.

  • Architect: Stephen Newsom Architect
  • Quantity Surveyor: Morham & Brotchie
  • Structural Engineer: Allen Gordon & Co