Finishing Line For Sea Wall

The end is now in sight for the major upgrading of Kirkcaldy Sea Wall.

Work is expected to be completed in early December.

£9 million has been spent upgrading the wall to ensure it's protected from the elements.

Bob McLellan, Head of Transportation and Environmental Services said: 

"It's great we're at the final stages of this project, within a couple of weeks work will be finished.

"The Council has invested £9million upgrading Kirkcaldy Sea Wall, ensuring its longevity and its ability to protect the Promenade and the properties along it.

"I would like to thank the residents of Kirkcaldy for their patience, as these works have been on-going since July last year. I am positive that people will be delighted with the finished result, as it will be a more attractive place for local people and visitors to enjoy.

"Also, I would like to thank the contractor, VolkerStevin for their commitment to this project."

Will Davies, VolkerStevin Site Agent said: 

"We wish to thank the Kirkcaldy community for their patience and support while we restored the sea wall and promenade. We are delighted to be handing back a sea front that everyone involved in the scheme can be proud of."

This £9million project has been delivered on budget, but took a little longer than planned due to site conditions. Improvements to Kirkcaldy Sea Wall include:

• 80,000 tonnes of rock armour placed in front of the wall to break up waves
• a new higher wall to reduce flood risk
• promenade resurfaced and raised to maintain sea views
• beach access ramps and steps improved
• two new ramps suitable for disabled access
• new shelters, seating and street lighting, and historic plaque refurbished.

Cllr Neil Crooks, Chair of Kirkcaldy Area Committee, said: 

"We're finally here; it's been a long time in the making. Come the New Year, there’ll be new coastal defences protecting Kirkcaldy.

"Kirkcaldy residents played a big part in the design of this sea wall. We listened to peoples view and made changes to the original designs. We've raised the height of the promenade to improve visibility as people were worried that the view over the wall would be obscured.

"The finished sea wall and promenade will really enhance Kirkcaldy for both residents and visitors. It looks and feels so much better and the Waterfront challenge for Kirkcaldy’s Ambitions is to bring the area to life. Discussions about public art, distance markers, pop-up shops, historical links, additional parking, reduced traffic lanes and making the Waterfront a destination are in front of us. I look forward to meeting that challenge with colleagues from the private and voluntary sector.

"The official opening on Sunday 14 December is another partnership event. I encourage as many as people as possible to wrap up for the weather and get down to the Waterfront, to take part in the celebrations."