The council has reallocated £500,000 from the Sawmill project, which will not proceed as originally proposed, to the former Gordon Arms Hotel on the High Street, which is being converted into a Creative Arts Centre. The overall £18.285 million Levelling Up Fund (LUF) allocation for Elgin city centre is unchanged.

Detailed design work confirmed the need for full public access, including lift access to the third floor and related changes to layout, fire safety and mechanical and electrical systems.

Depute leader Cllr Amber Dunbar said the move would “maximise the impact of the investment” and keep momentum on a flagship project. Cllr Marc Macrae, chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said it ensures the centre is welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

Meanwhile, a draft Cooper Park masterplan has been approved, allowing the Elgin Neighbourhood Board to begin an eight-week public consultation from 12 October to 4 December 2026. It will include drop-in events, workshops with park user groups, school activities and online options.

Potential projects include an inclusive play space, bouldering area, cycling proficiency track, outdoor gym, path upgrades, solar lighting and signage, biodiversity landscaping, and a new pavilion and multi-use games area. Locations for some will be decided following feedback.

The park is already seeing investment through the LUF, which is funding refurbishment of the pond and a new café, toilets and changing places facility, and through the Moray Growth Deal. The plans form part of Elgin’s £20m UK Government long-term plan for towns, now delivered through the Pride in Place Programme.

In addition, councillors endorsed Stage 1 applications to the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) for 2027/28 for:

• Moray Athletics Hub, Elgin: a six-lane track and field facility beside Moray Sports Centre. The £2.2m project seeks £632,313 from the RCGF, with £1m of match funding confirmed through Pride in Place.
• St Giles Shopping Centre area: a £38.27m project, with £1m sought for initial works.

They join the previously approved Leanchoil Hospital and Dufftown Clock Tower bids, bringing the total sought to £4,746,560. Cllr Dunbar stressed that Stage 1 submission carries no commitment to delivery or match funding, and any progression to Stage 2 would be fully considered first.