LOCHGELLY took its first step towards a dramatic expansion, and future of low carbon dwelling, when the Charrette was officially launched last night (Monday, 8 March).
One of only three schemes in Scotland to be part of the charrette process, which involves an intense period of consultation about urban design, Lochgelly is the only one being promoted and led by its local authority.
The proposed new development includes 1,750 new houses, 100 acres of employment land as well as open space. The Lochgelly project aims to provide a model for sustainable community living, developed with extensive public consultation and with a focus on implementing innovative solutions. In particular, the aim is to promote energy efficiency including consideration of density, low carbon output, green space and active travel.
At the opening presentation held in Lochgelly Town Hall, The Provost of Fife, Councillor Frances Melville, welcomed everyone to Lochgelly including the Minister for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP, and Andres Duany, world renowned architect who is heading up the design team in Lochgelly.
Over several days a series of workshops will take place where the public, designers and consultants will work together to explore potential design options. The aim of the charrette process is to capture the vision, values and ideas of the community.
Councillor Frances Melville, Provost of Fife, was delighted to welcome the Charrette to Lochgelly: "This is an innovative project for Fife. It will be interesting to hear the views of the community at the end of this week and if they think this is the way forward for the future, when dealing with development for a large area which is going to impact on their community for the years ahead."
Minister for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: "The Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative is a pivotal part of this government's work to raise ambition for the quality of new development in Scotland. Along with our partners, we want to see new development that respects, protects and enhances this country's unique natural and built heritage. That requires significant input from the local community and this charrette is allowing that consultation to happen."
Andres Duany, who drew up designs for rebuilding work in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, has just completed a charrette in Dumfries said: "If we put the right elements in place, every change that happens will make things better. You have to take care of this place and set it up so it gets better over time. We really need your guidance to take us where we need to be. To get anything substantial done we have to look into the future".
