UK Government approves Elgin’s 10-year vision with £20 million Pride in Place investment

The investment plans were submitted to the UKG for approval in November 2025, and the UK Government confirmed their full support and endorsement of the documents in March 2026.  

The Pride in Place programme aims to empower residents to shape the future of their communities. With the Elgin Neighbourhood Board overseeing implementation of the plan, Elgin is one of the 75 towns across the UK included in Phase 1 of the Pride in Place Programme. 

Elgin Neighbourhood Board has already carried out two rounds of engagement to identify local priorities and will continue supporting and working with communities throughout the 10-year programme. The Regeneration Plan accompanying the Vision sets out investment for the next four years of the 10-year programme including 17 projects that will be funded by the Board in line with community priorities. This £20m of funding over the next 10 years compliments the other regeneration projects and investment across Elgin. 

Chair of Elgin Neighbourhood Board, Jenny Urquhart said: “The partnership between the ENB and Moray Council is built from our joint Vision and belongs to the people of Elgin. It reflects their voices, their priorities and their ambitions. 

“As a community we will make Elgin a vibrant place to live, work, visit and invest in. By 2035 we want Elgin to be recognised as a thriving regional centre and the heart of Moray. Our vision is one where the town centre is clean, attractive, and filled with shops, cafes, events and enterprise.” 

Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, also commented: “We strive for a future throughout Elgin where young people are well supported and inspired, where there are positive opportunities for learning and play to help young people achieve their ambitions regardless of their starting point.  

“For the wider community, we want all Elgin neighbourhoods to have better access to facilities including improved halls, parks and community led initiatives, where Elgin’s nature and culture is celebrated, with green spaces, sports facilities and cultural events enriching everyday life.” 

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, added: “Working in partnership with Elgin Neighbourhood Board has helped us gain a better understanding of what is truly important to the people of Elgin. It is an exciting moment as we progress to delivery.” 

The 17 projects to be supported over the next four years by Elgin Neighbourhood Board include: 

• Business Enterprise Hub, South Street 

• Central Elgin redevelopment 

• Athletics track 

• Nature and Nurture project to improve biodiversity in Elgin 

• Grant Lodge redevelopment  

• Shaping skills from the start school curriculum  

• Elgin Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) project 

• Public facilities and shelter at Elgin Sports Community Trust (ESCT) 

• Multi-use games areas 

• Cooper Park Pavilion 

• Pump track 

• The Link community hub 

• Community Hall improvements (New Elgin & Bishopmill Halls) 

• South Lesmurdie Park improvements 

• Seagull deterrent measures 

• Capital grant scheme for community groups and third sector  

• Alternative curriculum at the Gleaner Arena 

To keep up to date with Elgin Neighbourhood Board developments, visit the My Moray website and follow Elgin Neighbourhood Board on Facebook.