LDN Architects has been awarded the contract as part of the £31.6m Cultural Quarter project of the Moray Growth Deal.

Significant planned investment from the Scottish Government, UK Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Moray Council will underpin the Cultural Quarter Project, which is redeveloping key sites in Elgin to create a connected, accessible and inspirational centre shining a light on the region’s unique cultural offering.

Following a two-stage public procurement process, which generated 23 notes of interest, LDN impressed the panel with its clear and thoughtful approach, and creative and original concept designs to come out top from a selection of prestigious practices from across the UK.

LDN Architects will lead a design team including Narro (structural and civil engineers), Harley Haddow (building services engineer), Ironside Farrar (landscape architect), CharcoalBlue (theatre consultant), Sandy Brown (acoustic consultant) and OFR (fire engineer) who will work together to transform Elgin Town Hall.

Elgin Town Hall is Moray’s largest performing arts and events space. The proposed redevelopment will overcome limitations of the current building to create a landmark 21st century performance and community space which is functional, welcoming and connected, building on the success of the existing venue. Redesign of the building will improve circulation, acoustic separation, technical and customer facilities and add a new multi-use studio space, while improving environmental performance.

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “I know the team are looking forward to working on the Town Hall’s important and exciting make-over with locally based practice, LDN Architects and it’s great to see this milestone reached. The Cultural Quarter has undertaken significant engagement with partners this year to boost define the plans for the project and there are some exciting developments ahead for this element of Moray’s Growth Deal.”

Stuart MacKellar, partner at LDN Architects, added: “We are thrilled to have been appointed to assist the project team to deliver this nationally important project.

“Working locally, Elgin is a place that is very close to our hearts, making it all the more meaningful that we will be able to develop a project that will benefit the regional community and its access to the performing arts, hopefully in a way that inspires and excites.”

Scottish Government wellbeing economy secretary, Neil Gray, said: “I welcome the appointment of a team of architects for the redevelopment of Elgin Town Hall, a key part of the Cultural Quarter project.

“Investment in this project will help develop an improved cultural offering and provide support for local creative industries within Elgin and the wider region.

“This will help make Moray an even better place to live, work and visit.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord: “It’s welcome to see the progress being made on delivering Elgin’s Cultural Quarter, to which the UK Government is investing £3.5m as part of our £32.5m contribution to the Moray Growth Deal.

“The planned improvements will provide a major boost to the local economy and is part of our more than £2.5 billion for levelling up all parts of Scotland and the UK.”

Jackie Andrews, chair of Elgin Town Hall for the Community, added: “Elgin Town Hall has been operated by Elgin Town Hall for the Community since 2018 and currently welcomes over 80,000 visits a year – we’re excited to see what heights can be reached with the redevelopment of the space.”