Living

Kingsgate Shopping Centre

Brief

Following the acquisition of the Kingsgate Centre by Crosslands Properties Ltd in 2004, Keppie was appointed to develop proposals to extend the existing single storey centre on the site of the former multi-storey car park and bus station.  We were also challenged to maximise the available area and create new retail floorspace whilst accommodating car parking and a new bus station to replace these existing facilities.  The service and delivery strategy was to be developed to meet the existing and future requirements of the extended centre. The site had been identified by Yellow Book as a prime development opportunity in Dunfermline.

Response

The design developed closely with the Client and Fife Council to provide an animated response to the immediate urban context.  Proposals were prepared to provide new retail space over two levels, each relating to the existing access levels of the centre and linked internally around a feature atrium space.  An anchor store for Debenhams terminates the mall spaces at each level.  Three levels of car parking were proposed above the new retail levels to replace and increase the parking provision.  With alterations to the local infrastructure, a new bus station serving both local and national routes was originally proposed below the retail levels, with internal links to the mall space above and to the city centre beyond.  Whilst this option was not pursued, a new bus station was provided in the city centre, also designed by Keppie.

Outcome

The extension has provided over one hundred and ninety five thousand square feet of new retail space over two levels. Service access strategies have been simplified with the provision of an additional service yard with dedicated access to the Debenhams store.  Three levels of associated car parking for over seven hundred cars are provided above with direct access to the mall spaces below.  The design incorporates two new entrances to the centre increasing pedestrian flow towards  and through the centre, enhancing the life and vibrancy of the retail experience. The project was completed in 2008.


Team