FOI Request - South Street Printing Works

Request 101003845304

Please would you supply information with respect of the printing works in South Street, Elgin. (I think the address is 31 South Street).
1. Please advise whether the historical, cultural and architectural importance of the building were considered prior to demolition.
a) Was expert advice sought?
b) From whom was advice sought?
c) Was advice sought from industrial archaeologists, burgh historians and architectural historians?
d) If not, why not?

2. Was a standing building survey conducted prior to demolition?
a) If so, please send me a copy of the survey including drawings and photographs.
b) If not, why was no survey conducted?

3. Was and archeological watching brief commissioned?
a) Was there and archaeologist on site during demolition and ground clearance?
b) If so, please send me a copy of the archaeologist’s report
c) If there was no watching brief, please explain why this was not deemed necessary in view of the importance of the site.

4. Will there be thorough professional archaeological excavation of the cleared sire prior to any redevelopment?
a) If not, why not?
b) If so, who will do the work?

5. What redevelopment is planned for this site?
a) What advice as sought regarding the appropriateness of redevelopment – in the view of the importance of this site within the medieval townscape. Please send me copies of the plans.

Response 25-09-2025

1. None. No demolition has taken place - the roof has caved in and internal walls have been removed. The external walls are still in place, therefore the building has not been demolished. As it is not a listed building, there is no planning control over internal works.

2. No, as no demolition has taken place.

3. No, as no demolition has taken place.

4. No, as no demolition has taken place.

5. Not held. There are no planning applications or enquiries for the rear of the building. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.

The front of the building (to South St) has been subject to the following applications:

24/00014/APP: https://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=S6ZFIUBGM7M00
24/01064/APP: https://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SG4ZEKBGIQO00