Moray approves funding for £31m Cultural Quarter

One of the flagship projects of Moray’s multi-million-pound Growth Deal took a step closer to becoming reality this week as councillors agreed to fund £3.9 million towards its creation.Plans for a Cultural Quarter, which aims to create a vibrant space in the heart of Elgin that will support economic growth and cultural expansion across Moray were welcomed, and the agreement of council funding unlocks the next steps in the project, ensuring it’s ‘shovel-ready’ and work on-site can commence by 2024 – or earlier if possible.Outline business cases for the development of the £31m Cultural Quarter have been submitted to the Scottish and UK governments and, subject to final agreement of these plans, both have pledged millions in support – up to £12.7m and £3.5m respectively. Additional funding will come from HIE and private investment.Under these plans for the Cultural Quarter one of Elgin’s most iconic buildings, the currently vacant, 18th Century B-listed Grant Lodge, will be transformed to create a £9m heritage attraction, focussing on Moray’s globally-renowned food, drink and textiles offering. It could also provide the opportunity to signpost visitors to the region’s many spectacular tourist attractions, including distillery visitor centres, golf courses, forestry trails and coastal activities, to encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy more of Moray.Elgin Town Hall will see a £9m refurb with an extension to house a multi-purpose theatre and performance space, small cinema, rehearsal rooms, gallery, and flexible meeting room and events space. It will contribute to the development of an evening economy, reducing the need for residents and visitors to travel to Inverness and Aberdeen for arts and culture, and making them more accessible.Funded separately through £9m private investment, a 60-100 bedroomed premium hotel will be situated within the Quarter, increasing the number of beds available to service leisure guests, coach tour markets and business needs. Despite the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality sector, interest in this opportunity is strong.