The proposed Moray Sports Centre is being redesigned after it was criticised for looking like a “grey box”.
New drawings of the much-anticipated £12million facility were unveiled at a public consultation in Elgin last month, but failed to impress locals, who felt it was too imposing.
Concerns were also raised the colour of the building could also attract airborne algae.
Now the project’s chief executive, Kathryn Evans, has confirmed the team are looking at three other options they have on the table.
The former international athlete – who is spearheading the development – said: “The general consensus is that it’s a grey box.
“There are three further options and there should be a final decision about what the sports centre is going to look like, to be released into the public domain, on July 11.”
Originally planners hoped the striking design of the building would show that it is not solely designed for sport, with conference facilities and a cafe also planned for inside.
Ms Evans gave an update on the project to Elgin Community Council this week, and said the nearby Linkwood Distillery was also forcing a change of plans.
She said: “Because of the location of the sports centre, next to the distillery, there is algae up in the air that is attracted to the colour black.
“We’ve taken account of that and decided it will not be black and it will be a more natural looking building.”
The centre will include a sports hall, gym, football pitches and running track.
It could be open in early 2018, with tennis courts possibly ready sooner on the site while the main construction is still ongoing.
It is hoped that the building could become a home for international sport in Moray while also attracting athletes from Aberdeen and Inverness.
The first job interviews for the sports centre took place yesterday for grounds staff.
The sports centre is part of the South Elgin Masterplan devised by Springfield Homes, which is currently open for public consultation by Moray Council until July 8.
