The contract award means that most of the LUF programme will be delivered by Pat Munro, with work due to begin on the Cooper Park redevelopment within the next six months. This will be followed by improvements to Elgin town centre and active travel routes, as well as redevelopment of the former sawmill site.

The LUF programme has secured significant investment towards delivery of projects in and around Elgin town centre to support the Elgin City Centre Masterplan. The fund, provided by the UK Government, aims to improve local infrastructure, support jobs and create opportunities across the region.

Plans for Cooper Park, approved in May 2025, include restoration of the pond to create a safe and welcoming environment for people and wildlife, new landscaping and planting to enhance biodiversity, improved walking routes and play facilities, and refurbishment of historic features to create a more accessible, inclusive public space. The plans also include the extension and alteration of the existing toilet block into a café, with new public toilets, including a Changing Places facility, to support all park users.

Early enabling works at Cooper Park have already taken place, with specialist drainage investigations being carried out around the pond. These works involve surveying the existing drainage system, clearing blockages and identifying improvements required to manage water levels and reduce flooding. This important first step has provided essential information to guide the detailed design and ensure the long-term success of the redevelopment.

In addition to Cooper Park, design and planning work is progressing on the wider LUF programme. This includes town centre improvements and active travel routes to make Elgin easier and safer to get around, and redevelopment of the former sawmill site, bringing new life to a key location. Formal consultation on proposed changes to traffic management in the town centre will take place later this year, giving local residents, businesses and visitors the chance to have their say.

A full overview of the LUF programme is available on the My Moray website.  

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “The appointment of Pat Munro Construction marks a major milestone in turning our Levelling Up ambitions into reality. These projects will not only transform Elgin’s public spaces and infrastructure but also help create a more vibrant, sustainable and connected town for future generations.”

Pat Munro Construction operations manager, Nathan Smith, said: “We’re really pleased to have been chosen as the main contractor for the Level Up Fund contract in the Moray Council Region. Having successfully delivered a number of projects in the area over the last few years, we’re excited to team up with Moray Council again to deliver infrastructure that’ll make real difference to the community.”