FIFE COUNCIL has agreed to contribute £5million to a blueprint fund to stimulate growth and economic prosperity once the Levenmouth rail link reopens.
In August the Scottish Government committed to fund the reopening of the 5.5-mile branch, and also included a grant offer of up to £5 million, subject to this being matched by Fife Council. The council agreed to this in November, with £1.9 million coming from an allocation within its capital plan and the remainder from underspends on other capital projects. The initial content of the outline blueprint will be the subject of consultation over the coming months, and it is likely to consider the themes of connectivity; working and investing; living and learning; and tourism opportunities.
The reopened line would join the existing network at Thornton with stations at Cameron Bridge and Leven. The aim is to reopen the line by 2024 (within the current Control Period 6), but the investment and outcomes of the blueprint fund could continue until 2026.
