The plans, which were submitted in March 2025, include the extension and altering of the existing toilet block into a café, with new public toilets, including a Changing Places facility, to support all park users. The café will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, with the improvements enhancing facilities and the overall visitor experience in Cooper Park.

Improvement works to the Cooper Park pond will also be carried out, focusing on enhancing water quality, biodiversity, and surrounding environment. The restoration of the pond will support active use, with accessible walkways, biodiversity planting and new seating, creating a vibrant and engaging space for visitors to enjoy.

Together, these enhancements aim to support increased footfall in the park and the wider town centre, while encouraging active lifestyles and improving the park’s overall accessibility.

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, welcomed the decision: “This approval marks a major step forward in bringing our ambitious vision for Cooper Park to life. The redevelopment will celebrate the park’s heritage while creating new opportunities for recreation, culture and community activity. I look forward to seeing progress on site and the benefits this will bring to residents and visitors alike.”

With planning permission now in place, the next stage of the project will involve detailed design work and broader procurement activity, which is expected to be completed by Autumn 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026.

The Cooper Park redevelopment is part of Moray’s Levelling Up Fund programme, which has secured significant investment towards delivery of projects 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.