Moray Council approves Cooper Park masterplan for public consultation

The consultation, led by the Elgin Neighbourhood Board, will run from 12 October until 4 December 2026, and focuses on progressing the masterplan with more specific projects, with the locations of some of the potential projects to be agreed off the back of local feedback. 

The comprehensive eight-week consultation will include drop-in events, workshops with Park user groups, school engagement activities, and virtual consultation opportunities. Live links to the consultation will be shared when the engagement opens. 

In 2023, Elgin was awarded £20m from the UK Government as part of their long-term plan for towns. The aim of the long-term town plan is to encourage the local community to choose the priorities of the future of their town. Elgin is part of the Phase 1 Pride in Place Programme, which started earlier this year. 

Previous public engagement carried out by the Elgin Neighbourhood Board, and by Moray Council during the initial development of the Elgin City Centre Masterplan in 2021, found a strong desire for improvements within Cooper Park. 

Investments in Cooper Park are currently underway through the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and Moray Growth Deal (MGD). LUF secured funds to refurbish Cooper Park Pond and repurpose the existing toilet provision to create a new café, toilets, and changing places facility. Funding from the MGD Cultural Quarter project includes bringing nearby Grant Lodge back into use, the refurbishment of Elgin Town Hall, and the Early Years STEM Centre located in Elgin Library which opened in February. 

The Elgin Neighbourhood Board is committed to providing further investment in Cooper Park to enhance its role as a destination park and has identified potential projects that could be explored, including:  

• Fully accessible and inclusive play space 

• Bouldering area 

• Cycling proficiency track 

• Outdoor gym 

• Path upgrades 

• Solar lighting and signage 

• Landscaping to enhance biodiversity 
• New pavilion and multi-use games area 

Cllr Amber Dunbar, Depute Leader of Moray Council, said; “The masterplan sets out a shared vision to conserve and enhance the park, while identifying locations for new facilities that make it a more attractive space for visitors without detracting from what makes the park special. This vision reflects feedback from both the community and Moray Council.”