Next year, Moray Council will close down the Elgin Community Centre.
The local authority has decided running the facility is “no longer viable”.
This week, councillors approved the decision in private at full council.
From March 31, Moray Council will no longer operate the building.
Staff are currently being consulted about the move.
History of the community centre
Around four years ago, the community centre, which dates back to the 1960s, was threatened with closure.
However the council decided to keep the building open with the aim of assisting clubs and groups based there find more suitable locations.
Last year it was revealed the town’s Trinity Road was costing Moray Council almost £14,000 a year to keep open.
Why has it happened now?
A number of different reasons have led to the decision including:
- The centre being costly to run due to old energy and lighting systems.
- Measures to reduce overall running costs not achieving saving targets.
- £600k worth of improvements works were needed over the next five years to improve the building’s condition.
People coming to Elgin Community Centre plummet
Since Covid, the number of people coming to the Elgin Community Centre fell.
From 75,000 per year before the pandemic to around 48,834 in 2022/2023.
The figures include pre-school children going to VIP Childcare which is within the centre.
What is next for the building?
Council officers will support existing community groups who use the community centre to find alternative spaces when possible.
The local authority are currently in discussions with home to early education provider VIP Childcare which is based at the community centre.
They will support nursery to explore future accommodation options.
The group’s lease runs until the summer of 2026.
News is a ‘real shame’
The childcare group is key to the local authority being able to meet its statutory duty to provide early years education for all three and four year-olds as well as eligible two-year-olds.
Manager Zoey Williamson said: “It is a real shame about the Elgin Community Centre as it was a vital lifeline for some groups post Covid.
“However there is constraints on the council finances.
“Discussions are ongoing with the council about the future for VIP. ”
Options include remaining in the centre after the end of March for an agreed period of time to allow a longer-term option to be secured.
The council is continuing to hold wider discussions to determine the future use of the building.
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