2025 start for South Street regeneration in Elgin

Construction of Moray Council’s flagship South Street regeneration project in Elgin will begin in early 2025.

The first stage of the project, delivered as part of the £18m Leveling Up Fund, will see the ground cleared on the site which includes several properties on South Street and Elgin High Street, including two former toy stores and two derelict sites, formerly the Newmarket Bar and the Jailhouse nightclub will be redeveloped.

The project is a partnership between Moray Council, Robertson Property Ltd (RPL), Moray Growth Deal and UHI Moray, which will provide:

38 one and two bedroom apartments aligned with the housing mix delivery project funded by the Scottish Government and Moray Council as part of the Moray Growth Deal
an 800m2 Business Enterprise Hub, a Growth Deal project led by UHI Moray and funded by the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
three retail business units
improved public spaces, connecting South Street to High Street

This is the first Leveling Up Fund project to begin, with others to follow, including the redevelopment of the vacant former sawmill near Linkwood Road and the reimagining of Cooper Park.

Improvements to Cooper Park will include accessible walkways, biodiversity plantings, new seating and a revived pond. The existing toilet block at Cooper Park will also be transformed into new toilets and a cafe with facilities for all park users.

The Elgin Center project will also boost the evening economy, revitalize derelict sites and support the creative arts, including a new creative arts center for employment and community projects at the former Gordon Arms Hotel on High Street . Improved traffic control measures, accessibility and new café spaces will enhance the area’s outdoor culture.

A dedicated contact for local businesses that may be impacted by the construction work will be available, as well as regular public updates on the progress of the projects.

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councilor Marc Macrae, explained that there will be short-term challenges for long-term gains: “This is a exciting progress for Elgin and the wider Moray community. The Leveling Up Fund aims to improve infrastructure and support the regeneration of the town centre, and the redevelopment of South Street is a strong signal that Moray is ready to be part of this transformation.

“I look forward to seeing construction on the project begin in early 2025, bringing much-needed housing, business opportunities and vibrant public spaces to our downtown.” We are aware that there will be disruption to South Street during the construction phases, with road closures necessary for safety reasons. But I hope residents and visitors understand that this is necessary to achieve the transformation we want to see in our region’s capital.

“The council is committed to ensuring that any disruption is communicated as effectively as possible and I thank people in advance for their patience during any temporary work to help make Moray an even better place to live, work and to visit.”