The Transformation of Elgin

This week’s speakers were Gary Templeton, the Strategic Planning & Delivery Manager at Moray Council, and Jenny Urquhart and Leigh Scott, respectively the Chair and a member for the Elgin Neighbourhood Board (“ENB”) who spoke on the regeneration project for Elgin.

Jenny explained that ENB had been set up to deliver the £20 million UK government funded project over a 10-year period and would help to restore pride in the town which had been identified as one of the 55 most deprived towns in the UK and is one of 75 towns to be supported by the this government initiative.

After a few months delay due to the change of government the funding has been confirmed as being still in place with altered criteria (previously Safety and security, Transport and Connectivity and High streets, heritage and regeneration) now in place which are:-

Thriving Places

Stronger Communities

Taking back control

Jenny described the project as an opportunity to restore pride in the town and encourage further philanthropic contribution to the community.

Gary spoke about the progress being made and indicated that the project was part of an overall fund of £70 million being invested in Moray through the Moray Growth Deal and various other sources.

Projects currently underway and planned include:-

The South Street development where demolition of existing buildings has commenced to make way for 58 flats, 3 retail units and a UHI Moray business enterprise hub with building work due to start in July/August.

A project involving Elgin Library providing families with digital resources to support early years STEM.

The development of a cultural quarter including the refurbishment/extension of the Town Hall with work due to start in the next two months.

The provision of a bus by Stagecoach of a bus which will be converted to a mobile gaming centre, staffed by youth workers aimed at giving young folk somewhere to meet and engage.

2026 - the redevelopment of the former Gordon Arms Hotel as a Creative Arts Centre with pop up and retail space.

The creation of better crossings and active travel connections and access control measures in the town centre.

Investigation into options for development of the Elgin Sawmill Site.

An ambitious revamp of Cooper Park as a “destination” for locals and visitors including refurbishment of the pond and the conversion of the existing toilet block to a kiosk cafe.

2027 - the refurbishment of Grant lodge as a visitor destination and wedding venue. Funding for this has yet to be secured.

Gary acknowledged that there are challenges such as how to regenerate the St Giles Centre and there will be a lot of short to medium term disruption through building work and to transport routes, but the end result will be worth it. He sees this as period of “transformation” rather than “regeneration” for the town.

Leigh spoke about communication and engagement in relation to the project and emphasised that whilst this is a community led project the link with the Council is very important. Despite the plans that are already in place ENB is still trying to engage with as many individuals and groups as possible to get more ideas.