Listed former council building to become Burntisland banking hub under new plans

A listed building formerly used as a council customer service centre could be turned into a banking hub under new plans.

London-based shared banking services company Cash Access UK has applied for permission to transform the building in Burntisland.

Earlier this year, LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, recommended a local banking hub for Burntisland after the local community requested an access to cash review.

In early September, Fife Council began consulting with local residents about plans to sign off on a ten-year lease to make the hub a reality.

According to planning papers, Cash Access UK wants to strip out the partitions, doors and fixtures within the vacant ground floor property to create its own rooms, fixtures and building services. New, external signage is included within the plans.

Banking hubs are shared banking spaces, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone – no matter who you bank with.

The office in question is on the ground floor of the B-listed 104 High Street.

It was previously Fife Council’s local office and customer service centre, but it has been vacant for several years.

The first floor, which is not part of the lease or application, is still occupied by the Burgh Council Chambers.

There’s also a single-storey building in the south wing, which is currently closed off due to a collapsed roof and ceiling.

According to the plans, that room will continue to be mothballed due to a “collapsed ceiling and mould growth” due to the poor condition of the roof.

The condition report also stated that there is a “significant amount of backlog maintenance,” which they recommend being dealt with to prevent further deterioration of the property.

A building condition report described the building as being in “fair condition given its age, use and construction”.

Building surveyors provided a list of suggested works for Fife Council as the landlord.

They estimated that building repairs would cost nearly £100,000, but they found “no reason” from a building surveyor’s perspective why lease negotiations should not proceed.

Fife Council planners will consider the application and make a decision in due course.