Leanchoil Trust applies to Moray Council for permission to redevelop former Forres hospital
Plans to redevelop a much-loved former hospital in Forres have been submitted to Moray Council.
The proposals for Leanchoil include facilities for the Scottish Ambulance Service, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) immersive classroom for schools and training, consulting and treatment rooms, as well as larger spaces for group activities.
In addition to interior changes to the main building, the former maternity unit will be replaced by supported accommodation in a new building provided by Hanover Scotland.
Chairwoman of the Leanchoil Trust, Marianne Nicolson, is grateful to everyone who helped bring the plans to fruition.
She said: “We want to thank all who have worked so hard to pull together several years of discussion and detail to formulate the full planning application.
“The proposed changes will kick start the constructive part of the Leanchoil project. It’s now over to Moray Council to consider the application. The process takes time so excitement at this significant milestone must be tempered by patience!”
Hanover Scotland plans to build a 40-unit supported housing development on the site of the former maternity unit.
The entire Leanchoil site is B-listed so negotiations on replacement with heritage organisations and trusts have been detailed and drawn out.
Director of customer services at Hanover Scotland, Esther Wilson, said the charity is proud to be part of the project.
She said: “The new accommodation will provide high quality homes, enabling people to live independently while remaining connected to the community.
“This development reflects Hanover’s commitment to creating places that promote wellbeing, inclusion and dignity. It marks a meaningful step forward in bringing the Leanchoil vision to life.”
Negotiations continue with NHS Grampian around details of the entire site’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT). Once it is formally transferred to the trust, works can start along with an £8 million fundraising drive.
NHS Grampian director of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Support Services, Alan Wilson, said: "We are very supportive of the trust's plans.
“The vision for the building represents a beneficial initiative for the area. The Leanchoil Trust is clearly committed to a high quality and sustainable redevelopment."
Trust president, Seymour Monro, acknowledged frustration felt at the slow progress of the project first mooted more than five years ago.
“It has taken us a rather frustratingly long time to reach this key moment.” he said. “However, we are confident that our plans will be approved and then we will start transforming Leanchoil into a modern, wonderful health and wellbeing village for the community.”
For more information visit https://leanchoiltrust.org