Khushi's owner Riaz Mohammed back with plan for Bruce Street

Riaz Mohammed is involved in TRI Scotland Ltd, of Longniddry, the applicants who are seeking consent to convert two empty buildings in Bruce Street into one "large scale" diner with capacity for around 130 people.

Khushi's has remained closed since a fire ripped through the building in April 2023, albeit plans to re-open on a smaller scale and convert the upper floors into accommodation were approved in January.

That's not yet happened and it's thought that work is likely to proceed once Mr Mohammed gets a decision from Fife Council on the proposals for Bruce Street.

TRI Scotland had previously applied for planning permission, in September last year, to knock the old Carpet Shop at number 19 and the former Betfred at number 21 into a "large scale" restaurant.

If approved, this is where a new restaurant will open in Dunfermline. (Image: Google Maps) That application was withdrawn, due to a request from the council for more information on issues like ventilation, and the new proposals are virtually the same.

READ MORE: Plans to bring 'derelict' flats on Bruce Street back in use

Consent is sought for alterations and a change of use for the empty properties, with TRI Scotland aiming to knock down the wall between the former bookies and the old carpet shop to create one large restaurant.

The former bookies is over 1,500 square feet in size while the old carpet store is more than 2,000 square feet.

The plans show seating for 131 diners as well as a bar, waiting area, kitchen, toilets, office, storage and staff area.

READ MORE: Tappie Toories closes on night Dunfermline beat Raith Rovers

There would also be alterations to the existing shopfronts and a new ramp up to the double swing entrance doors.

If approved, it would be a next door neighbour of Incontri, the Italian restaurant, and help breathe new life into a street that lost the 1703 bar and restaurant in November last year when it closed.

Khushi's has not re-opened since fire ripped through the building in April 2023. (Image: Craig Tonner) The fire at Khushi's, on the corner of Canmore Street and St Margaret's Street, happened on April 21 last year and left Mr Mohammed "devastated". 

The blaze took hold on an upper floor of the building and in the aftermath he said: "We are incredibly thankful that no-one was hurt but both the restaurant and the building itself have been severely damaged.

"Our sincerest thanks go out to the fire crews and emergency service personnel who bravely extinguished the fire and ensured everyone's safety during the incident."

Lourenzos nightclub, which is next door, has also remained closed since the fire.