£18m extension proposed for Moray Leisure Centre
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A new £18 million expansion to Moray Leisure Centre is being proposed.
The ageing building on Borough Briggs Road in Elgin is in such a condition that it has an estimated repair bill exceeding £4 million.
Moray Leisure Limited runs the centre, leasing it from Moray Council.
The charity is asking for £2 million from the local authority to help fund a major refurbishment that could double the size of the facility.
In addition, it is also seeking a £4 million loan.
However Moray Council has to find £27 million in savings over the next two years.
In addition, it has a maintenance bill of £13.48 million to bring the sport and leisure centres it runs up to scratch – £4 million more than marked in its budget for repairs.
At a meeting tomorrow councillors will be asked to postpone all planned work on council sport and leisure facilities until after a review next year.
Moray Leisure receives around £500,000 per year from the local authority to help with operational costs.
That figure is expected to fall over the next few years to the point where the council will not provide funding.
In the financial year 2021-22 the centre turned over almost £2.26 million.
With demand outstripping capacity, the redevelopment could see income increase.
Councillor Marc Macrae (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, Conservative) is a member of the leisure centre’s board of directors.
He said: "It’s an old building, about 30 years old, and it’s seen much better days.
"Since coming out of the pandemic more people are wanting to keep themselves fit, and there’s much greater demand for these services, especially the ice rink.
"After 2027 we could be in a position to return money to the council and be able to build other council facilities.
"I hope other members see this is not just another thing for Elgin.
"The benefits of such an extension is an opportunity for Moray."
The proposals include a new gym, with the existing one converted into two fitness studios.
As different ice is needed for different activities, increasing the size of the rink would allow skaters and curlers to practice at the same time.
There would also be additional changing areas, plus modifications to other existing rooms.
In addition, the reception area would be modernised and the café extended.
Fellow director and councillor David Gordon (Speyside/Glenlivet, Conservative) is also backing the proposal.
He said: "I hope that the committee decides to give the go-ahead for the expansion and renovation of Moray Leisure Centre.
"Moray Leisure have a very strong leadership bringing a wealth of experience and innovation.
"Doubling the size of the leisure centre will increase membership dramatically and provide excellent facilities for the people of Moray and those who travel to use it.
"The current facility needs major work. The proposed business plan will save the council a huge amount of money in the long term."
The leisure centre extension plan will be debated in private at the education, children’s and leisure services committee tomorrow.
Discussions about postponing any spending on other council centres will be held in public session.
