During 2025/26, Fife Council's Communities Team and BRAG worked together to develop an ambitious vision for the future of Cowdenbeath Town House, transforming a long-standing civic building into a vibrant community hub that will support local people, businesses and community organisations for years to come.

BRAG has a strong track record of supporting communities through initiatives focused on tackling poverty, improving employability, enhancing wellbeing and promoting local economic growth. By combining this local knowledge and delivery expertise with Fife Council's strategic support, the partnership has created a shared vision that places community needs at the centre of the Town House's future development.

Having stood largely unused for several years, Cowdenbeath Town House presented an opportunity to bring a significant public asset back into community use. Rather than simply refurbishing the building, partners sought to reimagine it as a modern, inclusive and welcoming space that would help strengthen community connections, create opportunities and contribute to the wider regeneration of the town centre.

The proposed transformation will see the Town House become a multi-purpose community hub, providing a range of facilities and services designed to meet local needs. Plans include the creation of a community café that offers a welcoming place to meet, learn and work, dedicated space and support for small business start-ups, and a local radio station that will help amplify community voices and celebrate local stories. Together, these elements will create a shared space where residents, community groups, entrepreneurs and organisations can come together to connect and collaborate.

A key strength of the project has been the partnership's ability to attract significant investment to support the redevelopment. By aligning community priorities with strategic regeneration objectives, Fife Council and BRAG have been able to leverage funding and investment opportunities that will help deliver a sustainable and long-term future for the building. This investment reflects confidence in both the vision for the Town House and the positive contribution it can make to the wider community.

The project demonstrates the principles of Community Wealth Building in action. By bringing a vacant public asset back into productive use, creating opportunities for local enterprise and ensuring that community voices help shape future development, the initiative is helping to retain social and economic value within the local area. The approach places local people at the centre of decision making and seeks to ensure that the benefits created by the project are felt across the community.

Beyond the physical transformation of the building, the project is focused on creating opportunities for people to participate, develop ideas and build stronger connections. By providing space for community activity, business development and local engagement, the Town House has the potential to become an important catalyst for future regeneration, helping to increase confidence, encourage investment and strengthen local identity.

This work supports the Plan for Fife priority of Community Wealth Building and Leading Economic Recovery by investing in local assets, creating opportunities for enterprise and supporting community-led development. It also reflects a wider commitment to strengthening communities, promoting inclusion and enabling local people to play an active role in shaping the future of their area.

Looking ahead, Fife Council and BRAG will continue to work with local stakeholders and communities to bring the vision for Cowdenbeath Town House to life. Through continued partnership working, investment and community involvement, the project will help create a welcoming and sustainable community asset that supports opportunity, connection and prosperity for generations to come.