April, 2021
As some of you may have heard Elgin City Centre is planning to get a complete makeover, over the course of the next few years. Moray Council have released a draft masterplan explaining and showing some of the changes and improvements that will be made. Working alongside Moray Council on this task will be Elgin BID and Elgin Community Council. The main aims for this makeover are to prioritise the long-term viability of Elgin City Centre, make significant changes to reduce the carbon footprint in the Moray area, promote Elgin as a healthy green place and to completely transform Elgin City Centre into a beautiful vibrant area which caters to all demographics.
Elgin City Centre will take on a whole new transformation, a new local heritage trail which will highlight Elgin’s historical landmarks, a complete revamp of empty properties on Elgin High Street to give it a fresh new feel. There will also be a large increase in the number of events held in Elgin City Centre, such as markets and festivals. This will be perfect to boost the local economy and tourism in the town.
But that is not all, a Cultural Quarter will be developed to boost creative arts and help to create an evening industry. This new Cultural Quarter plan will set to refurbish and rebrand Elgin Town Hall and turn it into a sustainable multipurpose cinema/theatre as well as a performance space with rehearsal rooms for the creative industry. There will also be a complete refurbishment off Grant Lodge which will offer high quality food, drink and will be a well-informed heritage centre which also provide information on other attractions and locations which are on offer in and around Moray. All these projects will not only help Elgin City Centre but also all other local general surrounding areas.
Just when you think that is it, it does not stop there! Cooper Park will also be getting a complete remodel which will create a safe and calm environment perfect for people to socialise, relax, exercise and ideal for young children to play with their friends. This transformation in Cooper Park will include an improvement of the play and recreational facilities which will see the introduction of a sensory trail, outdoor gym equipment and more paths which are perfect for cycling, running or just a leisurely stroll. There will also be a brand-new outdoor performance area which will be an outstanding new feature that the creative industry can use to host a variety of art, cultural and entertainment events. A new water feature will also be introduced into the Cooper Park pond as well as a range of small-scale water sport activities.
All this is set to make Elgin the perfect place for people to come and visit but also enhance the experience for local people that live here! I think we are all in need of something to look forward to coming out of lockdown and this is certainly something that ticks all the right boxes. More information can be found www.moray.gov.uk/ECCMP . They would love your feedback by 14 June 2021.
Yasmine Pickering
