An “eyesore” building in the heart of Elgin is poised for a new lease of life as a block of flats.
Developer Springfield Properties has lodged plans to demolish and restructure a former commercial premises on the western end of the town centre.
Council officers have recommended the proposal be rubber-stamped when it comes before the local authority’s planning committee tomorrow.
The crumbling 184-188 High Street site, next to the Cooperage bar, now stands to be transformed into a set of 15 flats with ground floor space for a shop.
Last night, Elgin City South councillor, John Divers, said the development could help revive the town centre’s flagging fortunes.
Councillor Divers said: “This is the sort of work we have been crying out for in the heart of Elgin, and have been pushing for over a number of years.
“This will bring more people into the town, and help boost local businesses.
“The building has been a total eyesore, and is often brought up as a venue that needs to be repurposed.”
The B-listed venue was built in the early 19th century, and was well-known as the Lunardis tobacconist and as a tackle shop.
The space has been empty for 10 years, and has fallen into a state of decay in that time.
But Historic Scotland has objected to it being flattened, and have instead asked that the building be converted to accommodate the flats.
The heritage body argues that developers have not sufficiently justified their desire to knock it down.
Sandy Adam, the chairman of Springfield Properties, has stressed his firm’s commitment to largely retaining the site’s existing appearance.
Mr Adam said: “This building has lain derelict for some years but it is an important part of the High Street.
“The plans we have submitted propose that, once complete, the front of the building will retain its distinctive architectural features.”
Elgin Community Council has written to the local authority to support the development.
The letter states: “We believe unoccupied and derelict properties, particularly in the centre of town, give a discouraging
impression.
“In the current economic climate, we see occupancy as a higher priority than heritage.”
The dilapidated building was given a fresh coat of beige paint last year, in an effort to make it appear less unsightly.
