An ambitious scheme to demolish a derelict 19th-century building and replace it with studio flats has been hailed as the “catalyst” for reviving a town centre in Moray.
Yesterday, plans were approved to knock down the B-listed former Lunardis tobacconist on Elgin’s high street.
It will be replaced with a new retail space, which will be created alongside 15 serviced apartments, aimed at specialist staff moving to the area for a short period of time.
Last night John Cowe, chairman of Moray Economic Partnership, explained there was “renewed interest” from firms targeting a move into the heart of Elgin.
And Mr Cowe believes the development could be the first step in enticing more businesses to the town centre.
He explained: “That building has been looked at several times over the last 10 years and they [the developers] have always come up against a brick wall and given up. I’m delighted to see it coming forward now.
“The importance and significance of this development has to be fully appreciated because, for a town the size of Elgin, it will bring significant investment and be the catalyst for much-needed further investment in the high street.
“In just the last week, there has been a great deal of interest from developers in looking at what work can be done there.”
Councillors unanimously approved the proposals from Elgin Action Limited to demolish the Victorian building despite an objection from Historic Environment Scotland.
Gill Neil, manager of Elgin’s business improvement district, is delighted with the forthcoming addition to the town centre.
She said: “We are keen to keep promoting the high street to a range of businesses. We are also actively supporting those who want to convert the upper floors of the city centre from commercial to residential properties.
“More people living and staying in the city centre means an increased need for products and services.”
After visiting the site for himself, planning committee chairman Chris Tuke argued the current building was “unsound” and hampering future developments.
During discussions at yesterday’s meeting of the council’s planning committee, officer Neal MacPherson explained the new apartments would be used for professionals temporarily working in Moray.
He added: “Discussions with the applicant referred to NHS locums coming and going as well as other specialist placements in the area.”
