February 1 2021

Moray Council is to invite detailed design work tenders for a planned cultural quarter in Elgin.

The £31m project will centre on the renovation and extension of the town hall, as well as the fire-damaged Grant Lodge, an 18th-century mansion set to be repurposed as a heritage attraction.

The final element of the tender will be the detailed design for the first phase of a new housing development at Dallas Dhu, south of Forres.

Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, said: “The work being commissioned requires consultants to engage and consult widely with the community as the detailed designs evolve and it’s anticipated that detailed planning and listed building consents for Elgin Town Hall and Grant Lodge will be submitted before the end of 2021.

“We’re seeing real progress on the Cultural Quarter in particular, which will play a key role in the Masterplan for Elgin City Centre, to be published in March. This will invite discussion on a range of potential projects to drive investment in the City Centre, provide facilities and employment opportunities, and bring empty spaces and buildings back into use.”

A tender notice will be published on Public Contracts Scotland by mid-March with a start on-site expected by 2024.

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Henry on 1 Feb 2021 at 20:56 PM

All councils are struggling around the UK at a time of crisis..These guys need to get there act together and drop there salary.. Coming out with absolute rubbish.Schools.Homes.zhospitals.Businesses struggling ..closing down and these clowns in charge wasting public money..Shame on you.

#2 Posted by CH on 2 Feb 2021 at 09:34 AM

I think you miss the point Henry. This work is part of a growth deal for the region and won't be completed for another 5 or 6 years. The deal includes a number of much needed projects to help boost the economy and will be vital post-pandemic.

While the Town Hall and Grant Lodge may not be 'hospitals' regenerating them will create jobs, boost visitor spend and improve quality of life in the area. This spend is much needed as this part of Scotland has long been neglected.

#3 Posted by DM on 2 Feb 2021 at 12:08 PM

Nice to see Henry taking a day off from posting on the Daily Mail forums

Post your comments