Major regeneration projects progress across Moray
Moray Council has confirmed continued progress on two of the region’s most significant regeneration programmes, the Moray Growth Deal (MGD) and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF), following its latest capital plan update.
During the first quarter of 2025/26, more than £2 million of investment was delivered across projects aimed at transforming Moray’s economy, town centres, housing, transport, and cultural assets.
The Moray Growth Deal, a £100 million partnership between the Scottish and UK Governments, Moray Council and regional partners, saw over £1.4 million invested in Q1. Key milestones included:
- Bus Revolution: purchase of four new low-emission buses (£519,000) to improve sustainable transport options.
- Early Years STEM Centre: ongoing construction of the new science, technology, engineering and maths facility at Elgin Library (£292,000).
- Manufacturing Innovation Centre: construction activity progressing at the Forres Enterprise Park (£292,000).
- Cultural Quarter: development works at Elgin Town Hall and Grant Lodge (£266,000).
Over the coming year, construction will advance at Elgin Town Hall, the Early Years STEM facility will be finalised, and affordable housing works will begin at South Street, Elgin.
The £18 million Levelling Up Fund is focused on revitalising Elgin town centre and improving connections. In the first quarter, £596,000 was spent, primarily on enabling works at the South Street regeneration site (£504,000). Early design work also began on future projects, including the redevelopment of the former Gordon Arms Hotel (M&Co), improvements to Cooper Park such as upgrades to the pond and café/toilets, and a package of active travel measures. The UK Government has provisionally approved an extension to the LUF programme until March 2028, providing more time to deliver these transformative projects.
Together, the Moray Growth Deal and Levelling Up Fund represent an unprecedented opportunity to reshape Moray’s economy, culture and communities. With construction and design works well underway, these programmes are laying the foundations for more vibrant town centres, stronger transport links, new opportunities for business and innovation, and improved community facilities.
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “The Moray Growth Deal and Levelling Up Fund are already making a visible impact across Moray. From new buses to town centre regeneration, cultural investment and future housing, these projects will deliver long-lasting benefits for our communities. This is about building confidence in Moray as a place to live, work, visit and invest.”
Chair of Moray Council Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, added: “We’re entering a crucial phase where plans are turning into delivery on the ground. These investments are not only about physical regeneration but also about skills, innovation and opportunity. The benefits will be felt across Moray for many years to come.”