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Coordinates: 56°11′46″N 3°10′22″W / 56.19609°N 3.17273°W / 56.19609; -3.17273
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{{Infobox shopping mall
{{Infobox shopping mall
| name = The Kingdom Shopping Centre
| name = The Kingdom Shopping Centre
| image = Kingdom Shopping Centre Phase4.JPG
| image = Kingdom Shopping Centre - west entrance.jpg
| image_width =
| image_width =
| image_alt = Kingdom Shopping Centre – Marchmont Gate
| image_alt = Kingdom Shopping Centre – Marchmont Gate
Line 13: Line 13:
| developer = Neale House / Glenrothes Development Corporation
| developer = Neale House / Glenrothes Development Corporation
| manager =
| manager =
| owner = Mars Pension Trustees Ltd<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 September 2013 |title=New owners for Kingdom Centre |work=[[Fife Free Press]] |url=http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/new-owners-for-kingdom-centre-1-3063725 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033835/http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/new-owners-for-kingdom-centre-1-3063725 |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
| owner = Focus Estate Fund <ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 2024 |title=New owners for Kingdom Centre |work=[[The Courier (Dundee)]] |url= https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/fife/5002142/glenrothes-kingdom-centre-owners/|accessdate=6 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 2024 |title=Focus Estate Fund Finalizes Acquisition of Kingdom Shopping Center, its Second Asset in the UK |work=Focus Estate Management|url= https://www.focus.fund/news/focus-estate-fund-finalizes-acquisition-of-kingdom-shopping-center-its-second-asset-in-the-uk.html|accessdate=7 June 2024}}</ref>
| architect =
| architect =
| number_of_stores = 131 units
| number_of_stores = 110 units
| number_of_anchors = 1
| floor_area = {{cvt|40,000|sqm}}
| floor_area = {{cvt|40,000|sqm}}
| parking = 1,500
| parking = 1,500
| website = {{URL|kingdomshoppingcentre.co.uk}}
| website = {{URL|kingdomshoppingcentre.co.uk/about-us/}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
The '''Kingdom Centre''' is the main shopping destination in [[Glenrothes]], located in the [[town centre]]. It is the largest [[shopping mall|indoor shopping centre]] in [[Fife]] and is one of the largest single-level indoor shopping centres in [[Scotland]] with around {{cvt|40000|sqm}} of (gross) floorspace.<ref name="Fact Sheet">{{Cite web |title=''Glenrothes Town Centre Profile'' |url=http://www.fife.gov.uk/uploadfiles/publications/c64_GlenrothesTownCentreFS.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807213552/http://admin.1fife.org.uk/uploadfiles/publications/c64_GlenrothesTownCentreFS.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2011 |publisher=Fife Council |accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref>
The '''Kingdom Shopping Centre''' is an indoor retail and commercial complex in [[Glenrothes]], located in the [[town centre]]. It is the largest [[shopping mall|indoor shopping centre]] in [[Fife]] and is one of the largest single-level indoor shopping centres in [[Scotland]] with around {{cvt|40000|sqm}} of (gross) floorspace.<ref name="Fact Sheet">{{Cite web |title=''Glenrothes Town Centre Profile'' |url=http://www.fife.gov.uk/uploadfiles/publications/c64_GlenrothesTownCentreFS.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807213552/http://admin.1fife.org.uk/uploadfiles/publications/c64_GlenrothesTownCentreFS.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2011 |publisher=Fife Council |accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref>


The shopping centre has some of the highest levels of footfall in Fife and currently contains around 130 shop units,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kingdomshoppingcentre.co.uk/images/KGDM_Mall_Guide_100x100x95-1-2-2-rotated.pdf|title=Kingdom Centre - Store Guide|accessdate=15 June 2023}}</ref> a variety of cafes, the town's central library and the Rothes Halls - the town's theatre and civic centre.<ref name="Fact Sheet" /> Brand stores in the Kingdom Centre include [[Boots (retail)|Boots]], [[CeX (company)|CEX]], [[C. & J. Clark|Clarks]], [[Game (retailer)|Game]], [[Home Bargains]], [[Iceland (supermarket)|Iceland]], [[JD Sports]], [[New Look (store)|New Look]], [[Sports Direct]], [[Superdrug]], [[Toytown Stores|Toytown]], [[Trespass (clothing)| Trespass]] and [[WHSmith]]. The centre also has a wide selection of independent retailers, food and drink outlets, [[banks]], [[Building society|building societies]] and other service operators.
The shopping centre has some of the highest levels of footfall in Fife and contains around 130 shop units,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kingdomshoppingcentre.co.uk/images/KGDM_Mall_Guide_100x100x95-1-2-2-rotated.pdf|title=Kingdom Centre - Store Guide|accessdate=15 June 2023}}</ref> a variety of cafes, the town's central library and the Rothes Halls - the town's theatre and civic centre.<ref name="Fact Sheet" /> Brand stores in the Kingdom Centre include [[Boots (retail)|Boots]], [[CeX (company)|CEX]], [[Game (retailer)|Game]], [[Greggs]], [[Home Bargains]], [[Iceland (supermarket)|Iceland]], [[JD Sports]], [[New Look (store)|New Look]], [[Sports Direct]], [[Superdrug]], [[Toytown Stores|Toytown]], [[Trespass (clothing)| Trespass]], [[The Works (retailer)|The Works]] and [[WHSmith]]. The centre also has a wide selection of independent retailers, food and drink outlets, [[banks]], [[Building society|building societies]] and other service operators.


A bingo hall, a cinema and a ten pin bowling alley sit adjacent to the shopping complex and Glenrothes bus station is located next to the southeast end of the centre. The Glenrothes Baptist Church operates from a former office block on the northern side of the shopping centre at Falkland Place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://glenrothesbaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/pages/find-us|title=Glenrothes Baptist Church Find Us|accessdate=8 June 2023}}</ref>
A bingo hall, a cinema and a ten pin bowling alley sit adjacent to the shopping complex and Glenrothes bus station is located next to the southeast end of the centre. The Glenrothes Baptist Church operates from a former office block on the northern side of the shopping centre at Falkland Place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://glenrothesbaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/pages/find-us|title=Glenrothes Baptist Church Find Us|accessdate=8 June 2023}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The Kingdom Centre was developed over a number of phases, coinciding with the rapid growth of the new town and the population as more people moved into the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/3305228/kingdom-centre-glenrothes/|title=Do you remember the lost shops of the Kingdom Centre in Glenrothes?|work= The Courier|date=18 May 2022|accessdate=8 June 2023}}</ref> Initially, the Glenrothes Development Corporation envisaged that the town centre area would be built on the same principles of the English new towns such as [[Stevenage]] and [[Bracknell]] consisting of a series of shopping streets and squares separated from traffic. As shopping trends and attitudes changed in subsequent decades, much of the town centre became internalised, consistent with the delivery of the [[shopping mall]] development model being made popular in the USA and also being delivered in other towns and cities across the UK.<ref name="An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947-1997">{{cite book
The Kingdom Shopping Centre was developed over a number of phases between 1960 and 2000, coinciding with the rapid growth of the new town and the population as more people moved into the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/3305228/kingdom-centre-glenrothes/|title=Do you remember the lost shops of the Kingdom Centre in Glenrothes?|work= The Courier|date=18 May 2022|accessdate=8 June 2023}}</ref> Initially, the Glenrothes Development Corporation envisaged that the town centre area would be built on the same principles of the English new towns such as [[Stevenage]] and [[Bracknell]] consisting of a series of shopping streets and squares separated from traffic. As shopping trends and attitudes changed in subsequent decades, much of the town centre became internalised, consistent with the delivery of the [[shopping mall]] development model being made popular in [[North America]] and also being delivered in other towns and cities across the UK.<ref name="An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947-1997">{{cite book
| last = Cowling
| last = Cowling
| first = David
| first = David
Line 36: Line 35:
| title = An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947–1997
| title = An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947–1997
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
{{multiple image

| align = left
[[Image:Glenrothes Bus Station - geograph.org.uk - 2982035.jpg|thumb|150px|Bus station and Postgate, part of the first phase of the town centre shown in the 1970s]]
| direction = vertical
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Forum Hotel & Co-op, Glenrothes, early 1970's.jpg
| caption1 = Phase 1 - Town Clock & former Co-Op department store built in the 1960s at the eastern entrance
| image2 = Glenrothes Bus Station - geograph.org.uk - 2982035.jpg
| caption2 = Phase 1 - Bus station and Postgate, part of the first phase of the town centre shown in the 1970s
| image3 = The Heritage, Falkland Gate, Glenrothes.jpg
| caption3 = Phase 2 - Falkland Gate entrance built in the 1970s shown in 2006
}}
=== Phase 1===
=== Phase 1===
The first phase of the Kingdom Centre was built around Central Avenue, between North Street and Church Street in the eastern portion of the town centre. This was in the form of two to three storey shop and business units orientated around a modern [[Pedestrian zone]] creating what is now Lyon Square, Albany Gate, Kintyre Gate and Postgate. A three-storey glazed [[butterfly roof]] and a modern fountain were incorporated as features in the design around the main public square.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 December 2022 |title=12 pictures showing how the Kingdom Centre in Glenrothes was built – and the shops within it |work=[[Fife Free Press]] |url=https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/12-pictures-showing-how-the-kingdom-centre-in-glenrothes-was-built-and-the-shops-within-it-3941405|access-date=5 December 2022}}</ref> The Golden Acorn Hotel, a ten pin bowling alley, the town's Post Office, job centre and a bus turning circle were all delivered as part of the early phases of development. A Co-Op Department store opened in 1964 at the eastern entrance to the square and a town clock was built as a feature adjacent to the store.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes">{{cite book
The first phase was built around Central Avenue, between North Street and Church Street in the eastern portion of the town centre. This was in the form of two to three storey shop and business units orientated around a modern [[Pedestrian zone]] creating what is now Lyon Square, Albany Gate, Kintyre Gate and Postgate. A three-storey glazed [[butterfly roof]] and a modern fountain were incorporated as features in the design of the main public square.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 December 2022 |title=12 pictures showing how the Kingdom Centre in Glenrothes was built – and the shops within it |work=[[Fife Free Press]] |url=https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/12-pictures-showing-how-the-kingdom-centre-in-glenrothes-was-built-and-the-shops-within-it-3941405|access-date=5 December 2022}}</ref> The Golden Acorn Hotel, a ten pin bowling alley, the town's Post Office, job centre and a bus turning circle were all delivered as part of the early phases of development. A Co-Op Department store opened in 1964 at the eastern entrance to the square and a town clock was built as a feature adjacent to the store.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes">{{cite book
| last = Ferguson
| last = Ferguson
| first = Keith
| first = Keith
Line 50: Line 58:
| title = A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948–1995
| title = A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948–1995
}}</ref>
}}</ref>

[[Image:Co-Op and Town Clock, Glenrothes.JPG|thumb|right|150px|Town Clock & former Co-Op department store built in the 1960s at the eastern entrance]]


===Phase 2===
===Phase 2===
The design of the first phase had a number of problems, including a leaking glass roof on the main square, vandalising of the public fountain and experiencing wind tunnel effects due to open and exposed entrances to the square. In 1976 a decision was taken to remove the glazed roof and the fountain and roof over the square at shop fascia height creating an internalised and environmentally controlled space. The shopping centre was also extended west to the point where Falkland Square is now. A [[Woolworths Group (United Kingdom)|Woolworths]] store (now [[Home Bargains]]) was built to anchor the west end of the centre. A Presto supermarket (later [[Safeway (UK)|Safeway]] and then [[Dunnes Stores]]) and the New Glenrothes House office block (since demolished in 2009) were built as later additions to the second phase.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" />

The design of the first phase had a number of problems, including a leaking glass roof on the main square, vandalising of the public fountain and experiencing wind tunnel effects due to open and exposed entrances to the square. In 1976 a decision was taken to remove the glazed roof and the fountain and roof over the square at shop fascia height creating an internalised space. The shopping centre was also extended west to the point where Falkland Square is now. A [[Woolworths Group (United Kingdom)|Woolworths]] store (now [[Home Bargains]]) was built to anchor the west end of the centre. A Presto supermarket (later [[Safeway (UK)|Safeway]] and then [[Dunnes Stores]]) and the New Glenrothes House office block were built as later additions to the second phase.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" />


===Phase 3===
===Phase 3===
In 1982 a third phase was built extending the centre further west. The domed Unicorn Square was the principal feature of the third phase and Unicorn House, an office block with distinctive reflective glass, was built to the north of the development. A [[Fine Fare]] supermarket (now sub-divided into [[New Look (company)|New Look]], [[Toytown Stores|Toytown]] and [[OneBelow|One Below]] outlets) anchored the third phase of the shopping centre when it opened.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/1982-fifty-years-ago-fine-fare-opened-a-major-new-supermarket-in-glenrothes-3572876|title=1982: Fifty years ago Fine Fare opened a major new supermarket in Glenrothes|work= www.fifetoday.co.uk|date=17 February 2022|accessdate=17 February 2022}}</ref> A cinema, bingo hall and nightclub were also constructed at Carrick Gate.
[[Image:Unicorn Square.jpg|thumb|150px| Unicorn Square, built in the 1980s]]
In 1982 a third phase was built extending the centre further west. The domed Unicorn Square was the principal feature of the third phase and Unicorn House, an office block with distinctive reflective glass, was built to the north of the development. A [[Fine Fare]] supermarket (now sub-divided into New Look, [[Toytown Stores|Toytown]] and [[OneBelow|One Below]] outlets) anchored the third phase of the shopping centre when it opened.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/1982-fifty-years-ago-fine-fare-opened-a-major-new-supermarket-in-glenrothes-3572876|title=1982: Fifty years ago Fine Fare opened a major new supermarket in Glenrothes|work= www.fifetoday.co.uk|date=17 February 2022|accessdate=17 February 2022}}</ref> A cinema, bingo hall and nightclub were also constructed at Carrick Gate.

[[Image:Kingdom Shopping Centre - west entrance.jpg|thumb|150px|Kingdom Shopping Centre western entrance]]


===Phase 4===
===Phase 4===
{{multiple image

| align = right
| direction = vertical
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Unicorn Square.jpg
| caption1 = Phase 3 - Unicorn Square, built in the 1980s
| image2 = Rothes Square, Glenrothes.jpg
| caption2 = Phase 4 - Rothes Square, built in the 1990s
| image3 = M&S Glenrothes.jpg
| caption3 = M&S Foodhall on North Street opened in 2019
}}
In 1993, with the winding up of the Glenrothes Development Corporation (GDC) on the horizon, a fourth phase was built. This was partially funded with a central government grant to provide any last major projects for the new town. The fourth phase incorporated the Rothes Halls, a multi-purpose community facility with a café, theatre, library and conference facilities.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" /><ref name="An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947-1997" />
In 1993, with the winding up of the Glenrothes Development Corporation (GDC) on the horizon, a fourth phase was built. This was partially funded with a central government grant to provide any last major projects for the new town. The fourth phase incorporated the Rothes Halls, a multi-purpose community facility with a café, theatre, library and conference facilities.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" /><ref name="An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947-1997" />


A major feature of the fourth phase is Rothes Square complete with a pyramid-shaped glass roof, a hanging triangular clock, circular feature floor design and a mock "alfresco" style café. A [[Somerfield]] supermarket (latterly a [[Co-op Food|Co-op]] but currently vacant) anchored the fourth phase of the centre when it first opened.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" /><ref name="An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947-1997" />
A major feature of the fourth phase is Rothes Square complete with a pyramid-shaped glass roof, a hanging triangular clock, circular feature floor design and a mock "alfresco" style café. A [[Somerfield]] supermarket (latterly a [[Co-op Food|Co-op]] but currently vacant) anchored the fourth phase of the centre when it first opened.<ref name="A History of Glenrothes" /><ref name="A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948-1995" /><ref name="An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947-1997" />
[[Image:Rothes Halls.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Rothes Square, built in the 1990s]]


===Later development phases===
===Later development phases===
A [[Marks and Spencers|M&S Foodhall]], an [[Iceland (supermarket)|Iceland]] Food Warehouse, and a parade of shops and restaurants were completed in early 2019 sitting adjacent to the shopping centre at Falkland Gate and North Street.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 September 2016 |title=Concept drawing shows new M&S at heart of new look Glenrothes town centre |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/279089/concept-drawing-shows-new-ms-heart-new-look-glenrothes-town-centre/ |work=The Courier |accessdate=8 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=8 February 2019 |title=Glenrothes MSP Welcomes New Marks & Spencer Store |url=https://www.jennygilruthmsp.scot/pressrelease/glenrothes-msp-welcomes-new473 |website=[[Jenny Gilruth|Jenny Gilruth MSP]]}}</ref> [[Starbucks]] and [[Burger King]] also opened outlets on North Street in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/business/two-new-drive-thru-restaurants-planned-fife-town-2550694|title=Two new drive-thru restaurants planned for Fife town|work= www.fifetoday.co.uk|date=27 April 2020|accessdate=24 February 2023}}</ref>
A [[Marks and Spencers|M&S Foodhall]], an [[Iceland (supermarket)|Iceland]] Food Warehouse, and a parade of shop units were completed in early 2019 sitting adjacent to the shopping centre at Falkland Gate and North Street.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 September 2016 |title=Concept drawing shows new M&S at heart of new look Glenrothes town centre |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/279089/concept-drawing-shows-new-ms-heart-new-look-glenrothes-town-centre/ |work=The Courier |accessdate=8 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=8 February 2019 |title=Glenrothes MSP Welcomes New Marks & Spencer Store |url=https://www.jennygilruthmsp.scot/pressrelease/glenrothes-msp-welcomes-new473 |website=[[Jenny Gilruth|Jenny Gilruth MSP]]}}</ref> [[Starbucks]] and [[Burger King]] also opened outlets on North Street in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/business/two-new-drive-thru-restaurants-planned-fife-town-2550694|title=Two new drive-thru restaurants planned for Fife town|work= www.fifetoday.co.uk|date=27 April 2020|accessdate=24 February 2023}}</ref>


===Future proposals===
===Future proposals===
A range of development projects are proposed to regenerate the town centre steered by a masterplan that was approved by the Glenrothes Area Committee in March 2021. This seeks to address a variety of negative trends including addressing the loss of shops and a halving of office floorspace since the year 2000. Celebrating the unique legacy of public art bequeathed to the town, introducing new business opportunities outside of the Kingdom Shopping Centre, creating new public spaces, including a new town square, and supporting an enhanced economy are also identified in the masterplan.<ref>{{cite news |author=Neil Henderson |date=21 March 2021 |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/2069011/glenrothes-masterplan-first-glimpse-of-how-town-could-transform-over-next-decade/ |title= Glenrothes Masterplan: First glimpse of how town could transform over next decade |publisher=The Courier |access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fife.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/192841/Item-9-Town-Centre-Masterplan.pdf|title=Glenrothes Town Centre Masterplan – Report to Glenrothes Area Committee by the Head of Business and Employability |publisher=Fife Council| access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref> This supersedes an earlier Glenrothes town centre action plan that was approved at Glenrothes Area Committee in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=committee.event&evntid=C40190A7-EA7F-E4C1-0B9C3BDC7BBFC116|title=Glenrothes Town Centre Action Plan Update – Joint report to Glenrothes Area Committee by the Head of Enterprise, Planning & Protective Services and Senior Manager (Policy, Communications & Area Management),Corporate Services pp17-33|publisher=Fife Council|access-date=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Neil Henderson |date=12 March 2014 |url=http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/update-on-glenrothes-town-centre-regeneration-plan-1-3336593 |title=Update on Glenrothes town centre regeneration plan |publisher=Fife Today / Glenrothes Gazette |access-date=29 August 2014}}</ref> Older parts of the Kingdom Shopping Centre at Albany Gate are proposed to be demolished.<ref>{{cite news |author=Neil Henderson |date=24 February 2016 |url=http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/kingdom-centre-co-op-demolition-will-create-huge-potential-1-4036958|title=Kingdom Centre Co-op demolition will create 'huge potential' |publisher=Fife Today / Glenrothes Gazette|accessdate=27 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/326954/councilllor-almost-ready-for-dance-of-happiness-as-start-date-given-for-glenrothes-redevelopment/|title=Councillor almost ready for 'dance of happiness' as start date given for Glenrothes redevelopment|work= The Courier|date=14 December 2016|accessdate=16 December 2016}}</ref>
A range of development projects are proposed to regenerate the town centre steered by a masterplan that was approved by the Glenrothes Area Committee in March 2021. This seeks to address a variety of negative trends including addressing the reduction in retail operators and office floorspace in the town centre due to changing market and working requirements and rationalisation of Fife Council's office estate. The masterplan also recommends celebrating the unique legacy of public art bequeathed to the town, introducing new business opportunities outwith the Kingdom Shopping Centre, creating new public spaces and meeting areas including a new town square, and supporting an enhanced evening economy.<ref>{{cite news |author=Neil Henderson |date=21 March 2021 |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/2069011/glenrothes-masterplan-first-glimpse-of-how-town-could-transform-over-next-decade/ |title= Glenrothes Masterplan: First glimpse of how town could transform over next decade |publisher=The Courier |access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fife.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/192841/Item-9-Town-Centre-Masterplan.pdf|title=Glenrothes Town Centre Masterplan – Report to Glenrothes Area Committee by the Head of Business and Employability |publisher=Fife Council| access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref> Older parts of the Kingdom Shopping Centre at Albany Gate are proposed to be demolished and redeveloped.<ref>{{cite news |author=Neil Henderson |date=24 February 2016 |url=http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/kingdom-centre-co-op-demolition-will-create-huge-potential-1-4036958|title=Kingdom Centre Co-op demolition will create 'huge potential' |publisher=Fife Today / Glenrothes Gazette|access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/326954/councilllor-almost-ready-for-dance-of-happiness-as-start-date-given-for-glenrothes-redevelopment/|title=Councillor almost ready for 'dance of happiness' as start date given for Glenrothes redevelopment|publisher= The Courier|date=14 December 2016|access-date=16 December 2016}}</ref>


==References and notes==
==References and notes==

Latest revision as of 15:09, 22 October 2024

The Kingdom Shopping Centre
Kingdom Shopping Centre – Marchmont Gate
Map
LocationGlenrothes, Fife and Scotland
Coordinates56°11′46″N 3°10′22″W / 56.19609°N 3.17273°W / 56.19609; -3.17273
AddressGlenrothes Town Centre
Opening date1963
DeveloperNeale House / Glenrothes Development Corporation
OwnerFocus Estate Fund [1][2]
No. of stores and services110 units
Total retail floor area40,000 m2 (430,000 sq ft)
Parking1,500
Websitekingdomshoppingcentre.co.uk/about-us/

The Kingdom Shopping Centre is an indoor retail and commercial complex in Glenrothes, located in the town centre. It is the largest indoor shopping centre in Fife and is one of the largest single-level indoor shopping centres in Scotland with around 40,000 m2 (430,000 sq ft) of (gross) floorspace.[3]

The shopping centre has some of the highest levels of footfall in Fife and contains around 130 shop units,[4] a variety of cafes, the town's central library and the Rothes Halls - the town's theatre and civic centre.[3] Brand stores in the Kingdom Centre include Boots, CEX, Game, Greggs, Home Bargains, Iceland, JD Sports, New Look, Sports Direct, Superdrug, Toytown, Trespass, The Works and WHSmith. The centre also has a wide selection of independent retailers, food and drink outlets, banks, building societies and other service operators.

A bingo hall, a cinema and a ten pin bowling alley sit adjacent to the shopping complex and Glenrothes bus station is located next to the southeast end of the centre. The Glenrothes Baptist Church operates from a former office block on the northern side of the shopping centre at Falkland Place.[5]

History

[edit]

The Kingdom Shopping Centre was developed over a number of phases between 1960 and 2000, coinciding with the rapid growth of the new town and the population as more people moved into the area.[6] Initially, the Glenrothes Development Corporation envisaged that the town centre area would be built on the same principles of the English new towns such as Stevenage and Bracknell consisting of a series of shopping streets and squares separated from traffic. As shopping trends and attitudes changed in subsequent decades, much of the town centre became internalised, consistent with the delivery of the shopping mall development model being made popular in North America and also being delivered in other towns and cities across the UK.[7]

Phase 1 - Town Clock & former Co-Op department store built in the 1960s at the eastern entrance
Phase 1 - Bus station and Postgate, part of the first phase of the town centre shown in the 1970s
Phase 2 - Falkland Gate entrance built in the 1970s shown in 2006

Phase 1

[edit]

The first phase was built around Central Avenue, between North Street and Church Street in the eastern portion of the town centre. This was in the form of two to three storey shop and business units orientated around a modern Pedestrian zone creating what is now Lyon Square, Albany Gate, Kintyre Gate and Postgate. A three-storey glazed butterfly roof and a modern fountain were incorporated as features in the design of the main public square.[8] The Golden Acorn Hotel, a ten pin bowling alley, the town's Post Office, job centre and a bus turning circle were all delivered as part of the early phases of development. A Co-Op Department store opened in 1964 at the eastern entrance to the square and a town clock was built as a feature adjacent to the store.[9][10]

Phase 2

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The design of the first phase had a number of problems, including a leaking glass roof on the main square, vandalising of the public fountain and experiencing wind tunnel effects due to open and exposed entrances to the square. In 1976 a decision was taken to remove the glazed roof and the fountain and roof over the square at shop fascia height creating an internalised and environmentally controlled space. The shopping centre was also extended west to the point where Falkland Square is now. A Woolworths store (now Home Bargains) was built to anchor the west end of the centre. A Presto supermarket (later Safeway and then Dunnes Stores) and the New Glenrothes House office block (since demolished in 2009) were built as later additions to the second phase.[9][10]

Phase 3

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In 1982 a third phase was built extending the centre further west. The domed Unicorn Square was the principal feature of the third phase and Unicorn House, an office block with distinctive reflective glass, was built to the north of the development. A Fine Fare supermarket (now sub-divided into New Look, Toytown and One Below outlets) anchored the third phase of the shopping centre when it opened.[9][10][11] A cinema, bingo hall and nightclub were also constructed at Carrick Gate.

Phase 4

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Phase 3 - Unicorn Square, built in the 1980s
Phase 4 - Rothes Square, built in the 1990s
M&S Foodhall on North Street opened in 2019

In 1993, with the winding up of the Glenrothes Development Corporation (GDC) on the horizon, a fourth phase was built. This was partially funded with a central government grant to provide any last major projects for the new town. The fourth phase incorporated the Rothes Halls, a multi-purpose community facility with a café, theatre, library and conference facilities.[9][10][7]

A major feature of the fourth phase is Rothes Square complete with a pyramid-shaped glass roof, a hanging triangular clock, circular feature floor design and a mock "alfresco" style café. A Somerfield supermarket (latterly a Co-op but currently vacant) anchored the fourth phase of the centre when it first opened.[9][10][7]

Later development phases

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A M&S Foodhall, an Iceland Food Warehouse, and a parade of shop units were completed in early 2019 sitting adjacent to the shopping centre at Falkland Gate and North Street.[12][13] Starbucks and Burger King also opened outlets on North Street in 2021.[14]

Future proposals

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A range of development projects are proposed to regenerate the town centre steered by a masterplan that was approved by the Glenrothes Area Committee in March 2021. This seeks to address a variety of negative trends including addressing the reduction in retail operators and office floorspace in the town centre due to changing market and working requirements and rationalisation of Fife Council's office estate. The masterplan also recommends celebrating the unique legacy of public art bequeathed to the town, introducing new business opportunities outwith the Kingdom Shopping Centre, creating new public spaces and meeting areas including a new town square, and supporting an enhanced evening economy.[15][16] Older parts of the Kingdom Shopping Centre at Albany Gate are proposed to be demolished and redeveloped.[17][18]

References and notes

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  1. ^ "New owners for Kingdom Centre". The Courier (Dundee). 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Focus Estate Fund Finalizes Acquisition of Kingdom Shopping Center, its Second Asset in the UK". Focus Estate Management. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Glenrothes Town Centre Profile" (PDF). Fife Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Kingdom Centre - Store Guide" (PDF). Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  5. ^ "Glenrothes Baptist Church Find Us". Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  6. ^ "Do you remember the lost shops of the Kingdom Centre in Glenrothes?". The Courier. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Cowling, David (1997). An Essay for Today- The Scottish New Towns 1947–1997.
  8. ^ "12 pictures showing how the Kingdom Centre in Glenrothes was built – and the shops within it". Fife Free Press. 5 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  9. ^ a b c d e Ferguson, Keith (1982). A History of Glenrothes.
  10. ^ a b c d e Ferguson, Keith (1996). A New Town's Heritage, Glenrothes 1948–1995.
  11. ^ "1982: Fifty years ago Fine Fare opened a major new supermarket in Glenrothes". www.fifetoday.co.uk. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  12. ^ "Concept drawing shows new M&S at heart of new look Glenrothes town centre". The Courier. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  13. ^ "Glenrothes MSP Welcomes New Marks & Spencer Store". Jenny Gilruth MSP. 8 February 2019.
  14. ^ "Two new drive-thru restaurants planned for Fife town". www.fifetoday.co.uk. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  15. ^ Neil Henderson (21 March 2021). "Glenrothes Masterplan: First glimpse of how town could transform over next decade". The Courier. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  16. ^ "Glenrothes Town Centre Masterplan – Report to Glenrothes Area Committee by the Head of Business and Employability" (PDF). Fife Council. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  17. ^ Neil Henderson (24 February 2016). "Kingdom Centre Co-op demolition will create 'huge potential'". Fife Today / Glenrothes Gazette. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  18. ^ "Councillor almost ready for 'dance of happiness' as start date given for Glenrothes redevelopment". The Courier. 14 December 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
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