Moray Council shares progress on sport and leisure services transformation
Moray Council has agreed to progress changes to its sport and leisure services, focusing on making them more sustainable and better aligned with community needs.
The plan, which has been in development since early 2025, sets out a clear roadmap for the future of sport and leisure in Moray. It includes short, medium, and long-term actions to improve facilities, increase community involvement and ensure services are aligned with health and wellbeing priorities.
The Council recognises that many of its current facilities are ageing, expensive to maintain and not energy efficient. With limited funding available, the plan focuses on making the best use of resources by prioritising essential repairs, exploring redesign opportunities and preparing for future investment.
The current three-year leisure and culture capital plan allocation is £7.255m, however the most recent condition survey work for all Council leisure facilities, including Moray Leisure Centre, estimates a funding requirement in the region of £31m to improve condition to a satisfactory level.
Key highlights of the plan include:
- Prioritised Investment: facilities will be maintained and improved based on a series of factors taking into consideration usage, value for money, accessibility and building condition.
- Community Involvement: new leisure user groups are being set up to give local people a stronger voice in shaping services.
- Modernisation: the Council aims to redesign some facilities to become flexible, multi-use spaces that support health, wellbeing, and community activity.
- Sustainability: the plan supports environmentally friendly upgrades, such as the use of cork infill in astroturf pitches and LED lighting.
- Future-Proofing: projects will be developed to be ‘bid ready’ for external funding opportunities as they arise.
Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “This is a pivotal moment for sport and leisure in Moray. We know how much these services mean to our communities, and we’re committed to keeping them viable where budget allows. Our plan is about more than buildings – it’s about people, health, and opportunity. By working together with residents, staff, and partners, we can build a service that is sustainable, inclusive, and truly supports wellbeing across Moray.”
The plan also supports the Council’s wider goals of tackling inequality, improving health outcomes, and empowering communities. It aligns with national strategies such as Scotland’s Physical Activity for Health Framework and Sportscotland’s ‘Sport for Life’ vision.
A full update on the condition of Moray’s sport and leisure facilities will be shared in 2026, along with a critical works programme to guide future decisions. A list of current assets managed and operated by Moray Council Sport and Leisure can be found online here.
For more information or to get involved in the transformation journey, residents are encouraged to visit the council’s engagement platform, Moray Engage, where user groups will be hosted to provide feedback on plans.