Levelling Up Fund
Moray Council have submitted a bid to the second round of the UK Levelling Up Fund.
The outcome of the bid is expected to be publicised in Autumn of 2022. Each local authority has been categorised as Priority 1, 2, or 3 for Levelling Up investment: Moray is Priority 2.
The proposals will deliver on elements of the Elgin City Centre Masterplan, approved at the Planning and Regulatory Services committee on 16th November 2021, which was subject to widespread public consultation prior to its approval.
What is the Levelling Up Fund Guide
Consultation
As a result of COVID-19, much of the consultation for the Elgin City Centre Masterplan was conducted digitally, with a virtual town hall exhibition receiving a total of 3,514 views. Though a further 100 people also attended an in-person pop-up event at Cooper Park. There were 917 comments and responses to the consultation.
The feedback received via the consultation has helped shape the proposals included within the bid, with 100% of respondents being supportive of the regeneration of South Street and 100% also supportive of bringing vacant and derelict sites back into use.
The transport related elements within the bid have also been subject to prior consultation, and shaped via public feedback, through the Elgin Transport Strategy. Responses were collected via questionnaires and public drop-in sessions held at different locations in Elgin. These sessions were attended by over 300 members of the public.
Elgin City Centre Masterplan: Levelling Up Moray
The Elgin City Centre Masterplan: Levelling Up Moray bid is structured around three core projects, on which there is further information below:
A Vibrant Centre will bring a number of vacant, derelict and underused buildings in the city centre back into use, supporting the development of business, culture and tourist infrastructure. The project will reclaim the city centre for pedestrians and revitalise the evening economy.
Transforming The Mart will redevelop two longstanding vacant and derelict sites, unlocking £20 million of commercial development, creating a multifunctional green space for residents, and improving connectivity with the city centre.
Reimagining Cooper Park will restore a much-loved community space, creating new and improved facilities that will improve recreational and leisure opportunities for residents and visitors.
If you have any comments on the proposals, please email localdevelopmentplan@moray.gov.uk