Have your say on how the £20million UK Government funding will be spent in Elgin
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ELGIN Community Council and the newly formed Elgin Town Board are asking Moray locals for ideas on how the £20million UK Government funding can be used to improve the town.
In October 2023, Elgin was one of 55 towns in the UK and seven in Scotland to be awarded £20M from the UK Government as part of the Long Term Plan for Towns.
The Town Board, which has been formed to develop and deliver a ten-year vision and initial three-year investment plan, consists of local community figures including Moray’s MP Douglas Ross, MSP Richard Lochhead, Elgin Community Council, NHS Grampian, Moray College UHI, Elgin Town Hall for the Community, Moray Chamber of Commerce and Elgin BID. More representatives from business and community will also be added to the board in due course.
The Community Council is working closely with the Elgin Town Board and other partners on a series of sub groups being set up to support the Board to ensure this work is driven by the community.
The team are now looking for feedback from Moray locals, which will be used to inform an Investment Plan and submitted to the UK Government for approval later this year.
The first phase of public engagement focuses on three key themes outlined by the UK Government: Safety and security, High streets, heritage and regeneration, and Transport and connectivity. These themes aim to address crucial aspects such as crime reduction, town centre revitalisation, and transportation improvement.
Moray residents can now take part in an online survey which will be running until May 17, where they can share ideas on the three themes.
Elgin Community Council will also be holding an evening event on May 1 at Elgin Town Hall from 6pm-8.30pm, seeking ideas for the fund and wider aspirations that will feed into the Local Place Plan.
Community drop-in sessions will also be held around Elgin on April 27 in Bishopmill Hall 10am-12pm; New Elgin Hall Annexe 10am-3pm; and Cooper Park 12pm-3pm. A further event in Elgin Town Centre will be held on May 11 at the former M&Co store from 10am-3pm.
Elgin Community Council chair, Alastair Kennedy, said, “This project will be driven by the community, so I’m pleased that local people are getting the opportunity to share their ideas and feed into the Local Place Plan and Elgin Long Term Town Plan.
“I would encourage everyone to come along to the community events, get involved with the engagement and share their ideas. This is our town and I’m sure there will be some brilliant and innovative ideas on offer to transform Elgin.”
Elgin Town Board Chair, Jenny Urquhart, said: “It’s an honour to Chair the Elgin Town Board to deliver the 10 year vision and 3 year investment plan. There is a clear focus for the Board with the three key themes set, we are looking forward to completing the Board membership in the coming weeks. Fully community driven, we have a unique opportunity to make significant improvements for current and future generations in Elgin.”
Douglas Ross, MP, added: “I’m delighted to see plans progressing at pace to deliver a long-term plan for Elgin. The £20 million investment from the UK Government has been put directly into the hands of the community who will be at the heart of decision-making which is exactly the right approach.
“The vision for the future of Elgin goes above party politics and I’m pleased to be part of the board, bringing together those who are passionate about the town.
“The upcoming community engagement events are a great way for local residents and businesses to have their say on what the priorities should be for Elgin and I look forward to hearing their thoughts.”
