Key findings of Moray Town Centre Health Check 2023 reported
Moray Council last week heard findings from the 2023 Moray Town Centre Health Checks.
The 2023 Health Check included assessments in the town centres of Elgin, Forres, Keith, Buckie and Lossiemouth. Limited audits were also completed in Aberlour, Dufftown, Fochabers and Rothes.
Data on the perception of town centres was gathered through an online survey carried out in December 2023, which asked the public to rate various aspects of town centres.
The survey found that retail and leisure facilities, such as sports and restaurants, were the dominating uses in almost every town. While shopping, events and restaurants/cafes were identified as key areas for improvement.
Overall, Elgin had the lowest rating and scored poorly on retail offering, evening economy, daytime events, pleasant/attractiveness, public transport access and cleanliness. However, Elgin was one of 55 towns in the UK to receive £20m from the UK Government as part of the Long-Term plan for Towns and public engagement is currently underway to begin delivering this investment.
It was also noted that the number of vacant retail units have increased in all towns, with exception of Keith and Aberlour.
Moray Council Leader, Kathleen Robertson, said: “Town centre audits and health checks provide us with an evidence base of the strengths and weaknesses of our town centres. I’m pleased we’ll be able to use the report as consideration in the next Local Development Plan and, following the discussion at full council, it’s clearly beneficial for the current development work being undertaken in our town centres.”