Brand new Moray Sports Centre opens its doors

THE brand new Moray Sports Centre opened its doors on Monday as it welcomed its first members and visitors.

Located in the south of Elgin, the charity-run centre contains a hall marked out with eight badminton courts, two full size basketball/netball courts, an extensive gym and a specialist cycling suite with 25 exercise bikes.

Construction on the first phase of the £12 million hub started last May and fundraising for the next phase continues with plans for covered tennis courts, which will cost £1.2million. A decision will be made on whether national funding will be made available for the courts in October.

It is hoped the centre, which is hosting the World Karate Commission’s Scottish Championship, will be a big boost for the local economy.

The centre is currently employing 40 people but, once complete, it is expected to create a total of 100 jobs.

Chief Executive Kathryn Evans feels the opening had been a long time coming. She said: "We are absolutely thrilled that we are now finally open after years of planning and just over a year of construction.

"The people visiting have given us hugely positive feedback and have been impressed with the design of the building and what we have on offer with regard to equipment and classes.

"It certainly seems to have the wow factor. Moray has needed these facilities for a long time and there’s nothing like this anywhere else. This was the first huge milestone in what is a significant development in sport for the region and it feels really good to be open."

For more information and to view the new timetable visit www.moraysportscentre.co.uk

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