The event takes place from 3pm until 6pm in the foyer at Elgin Town Hall.

The Elgin Town Hall regeneration is part of Moray’s Growth Deal, and is being funded by the Scottish Government, UK Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Moray Council as part of its Cultural Quarter project. The overall project is redeveloping key sites in Elgin to create a connected, accessible and inspirational centre shining a light on the region’s unique cultural offering.

The drop-in session will give details on the plans to redevelop Elgin Town Hall including a vastly enhanced main auditorium; a new second performance/studio space and rehearsal spaces; a modern foyer extension; and a new bar. Presentations will also be available to show how this key building may look in the future.

In 2023 Moray Council appointed LDN Architects to lead the designs on Elgin Town Hall. Working with Elgin Town Hall for the Community, their staff, customers and users these plans have been developed and the team is now preparing to submit a planning application.

Speaking ahead of the event, chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “We have an exciting opportunity to develop Elgin Town Hall into a landmark community and cultural venue and destination for Moray. The design team have been working extremely hard to develop the proposals and I would encourage everyone to go along to learn more and share their views.”

Stuart MacKellar, partner at LDN Architects, said: “As a local practice with many of our personnel closely linked to Elgin, we know what a facility like Elgin Town Hall means to the local community. In close collaboration with Moray Council, Elgin Town Hall for the Community and building users, we have developed a set of proposals that we believe will release the potential of the site and leave a lasting legacy for the region. We look forward to presenting this to those that can make it along.”

Meanwhile, North Street in Elgin re-opened this week after a six-year closure.

The road has been closed to allow for safe reconstruction of the Poundland building on the corner of North Street and Elgin High Street. A number of well-documented challenges for the building owners meant both the road and the building remained closed for an extended period.

Cllr Macrae said: “I’d like to thank the community for their patience during the North Street closure, we’re well aware of the difficulties this caused in terms of increased traffic and parking on Batchen Street and The Plainstones. There’s no excuse now though, the priorities are very clear and I urge all road and pedestrian area users to adhere to the no entry aspects of these areas.

“I’d also like to congratulate Poundland on their efforts to rejuvenate a magnificent looking building in the heart of Elgin. It really gives the town centre a boost and shows what we can aspire to in town centres across Moray. I thank them for their continued interest and investment in Elgin and look forward to seeing them trading from their beautiful building once again.”

Ben Wall, Poundland property director, added: “We know the extensive renovation and restoration has been challenging for our neighbours and we’d like to thank them for their patience as we’ve worked to restore this iconic Elgin building.”