THOSE behind plans to bring an arts performance centre to Dunfermline have said they "remain committed" to the proposals despite ongoing delays.

The Alhambra Trust has plans for the Ironmongers Studio in the former Watt and Dewar building on New Row to be turned into a performing arts centre.

However it is currently involved in a legal dispute over use of a piece of common good land which the Trust wants to lease or buy on the corner of New Row and Park Avenue.

READ MORE: Alhambra Theatre plans for performing arts centre and cinema set to progress

As reported previously by the Press, Central Dunfermline Community Council has objected to this idea as it said the land was gifted for the wellbeing and benefit of, and is owned, by the people of Dunfermline.

Providing an update on the project this week, the Alhambra Theatre Trust (ATT) said it is committed to providing opportunities for youth training in the arts.

"With the future development of the Ironmongers Studio, the Alhambra Theatre Trust aims to complement the existing space on offer in the Alhambra Theatre," said a spokesperson.

"The new performance space will provide opportunities for local groups to produce and perform a wide variety of works, with the emphasis on developing talent, social inclusion, and pushing boundaries.

"The Alhambra Theatre Trust remain very much committed to the works, however unfortunately due to the ongoing court objections raised by Central Dunfermline Community Council to the creation of a pathway to the disabled access, the works have been held up. ATT remain very positive however, and looking ahead to the future.

READ MORE: Long-running dispute over land at New Row to be decided in court

"The Ironmongers new state-of-the-art performance space will utilise original fabric of the building and retain the historical significance of a building that has played an important role in Dunfermline life for over a Century.

"The aim is to create a versatile, striking and unique venue, which can be an attraction in its own right."

The ATT have also revealed that they are now involved in talks with another party about the idea of including a community cinema within the complex.

This follows plans for a community facility to be provided in the Alhambra by the Dunfermline Cinema Project which was shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic.

READ MORE: Lights go out on Dunfermline community cinema project plans

It is understood that the current talks are with a different party and the ATT said they "remain committed" to the return of a city centre cinema.

The said the Ironmongers venue will also provide a permanent base for the Alhambra Stage and Dance School, which would enable the school to expand its range of classes and to host full-time Youth arts training courses and qualifications.