LEVEN PROJECT VISIONING
LOCATION : FIFE, PERTH & KINROSS, SCOTLAND
DATE : 2019 – 2020
PROJECT TYPE : MASTERPLAN
PHASE OF WORK : FEASIBILITY / VISIONING
The Leven Catchment Project is an innovative partnership collaboration established on delivering inclusive growth across mid-Fife through a series of projects which connect Loch Leven to the shore, and all the communities along this historically significant river. Partners include SEPA, Sustrans, SNH, Fife Council, Fife College, Scottish Water, WEF, HES, Diageo, the Coal Authority and Forth Rivers Trust. The vision for the catchment is that by 2030, the Leven will achieve environmental excellence whilst maximising social and economic opportunities.
Iglu were engaged in early 2019 to help the partnership developing a strong and inclusive growth narrative for the Leven Catchment Project through the development of a Visioning document and Masterplan.
The Leven Catchment Project Visioning concept image
LOCH LEVEN
The River Leven originates from tributaries around Loch Leven and flows to the Firth of Forth finishing its journey at Leven.
Historically the river was the engine of mid Fife powering several hundred mills and factories as well as many towns and communities within the catchment. Decades of industrial decline have resulted in pockets of economic and social deprivation with significant areas of Leven, Methil and Glenrothes identified in the top 5-20% of most deprived areas in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).
The river has now become a barrier between communities and to opportunities.
Basin scale WATER BODIES + conifer plantations
Iglu delivered The Leven Visioning and Integrated Masterplan Report in June 2019. The Visioning covered three descending scales which progressively sharpened in design resolution, with the final 5km stretch of water allowing for a more detailed consideration through the construction of a model, sketches, and visualisations.
The report identified broad opportunities at the catchment scale, a deeper analysis of issues along the River Leven and specific design principles for the Connectivity Project.
River Leven Green Infrastructure
Three key strategic layers, Ecology, Heritage, Connectivity
The Visioning and Masterplan report was used to not only convey initial ideas and aspirations but to influence decision makers, including potential investors to the project and local community stakeholders.
The scale and complexity of the landscapes of the catchment covers large to small scale development. The visioning masterplan looked at both broad conditions at the larger scale but also at strategic interventions at the smaller scale.
To aid this process a 4m long 1:1250 scale model was designed and built to further understand the site and the context. The model was an effective base around which many conversations were had and it will be of further use for future engagement with the community.
StraTegic development of the RIVER PARK utilising SCALE MODEL
SCALE Model of RIVER PARK project area
The Leven Creosote site visual proposal
In addition to the Visioning and Masterplan, Iglu worked with the wider project team, including Fife College to develop the branding and identity of the project and the partnership.
The Leven Catchment Project is complex but provides a unique opportunity to reconnect people with the river, to recollect histories and stories, to encourage people to fall back in love with the river and bring it back into their daily lives and create a positive future for the next generation.