TWO key Moray growth deal projects worth almost £40 million are now inviting tender bids for detailed design works.
The developments are part of the £100 million overall Moray growth deal package, which is backed by both the Scottish and UK governments – with both contributing £32.5 million each.
Moray Council described the tendering stage as a ‘vital’ part of the preparatory works for the £31 million cultural quarter in Elgin. It invites bids for internal and external improvements, rebranding and extensions to the town hall to support it becoming a regional entertainment and creative industries centre.
Also listed for bids is the work at Grant Lodge, found near Elgin Cathedral. It is to become a food and drink heritage centre and act as a signpost to many of Moray’s tourist attractions.
Further to this is the detailed design of a first phase of housing at Dallas Dhu, south of Forres. This forms part of the £7.5m housing mix delivery project, which supports delivery of affordable housing throughout Moray, incorporating cutting-edge health and well-being technology into homes.
Leader of Moray Council, councllor Graham Leadbitter, said, “Going out to tender is an exciting milestone in getting these projects shovel-ready for works to start.
“The work being commissioned requires consultants to engage and consult widely with the community as the detailed designs evolve and it’s anticipated that detailed planning and listed building consents for Elgin Town Hall and Grant Lodge will be submitted before the end of 2021.
“We’re seeing real progress on the cultural quarter in particular, which will play a key role in the masterplan for Elgin City Centre, to be published in March. This will invite discussion on a range of potential projects to drive investment in the City Centre, provide facilities and employment opportunities, and bring empty spaces and buildings back into use.”
Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, Michael Matheson, added, “Across Scotland we have committed more than £1.9 billion over the next 10 to 20 years to city region and growth deals and additional investments.
“This announcement represents another milestone in both the cultural quarter and housing mix delivery projects as part of the Moray growth deal. The Scottish Government is investing up to £32.5 million in the moray deal, this will unlock investment and drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the area.
“Investment in these projects will help create affordable housing, boost the region’s tourism offer and improve the cultural offering for local people. These projects will make Moray an even more attractive place to live and work, and support one of the deal’s key ambitions of attracting and retaining young talent.
“We hope to be in a position to sign the full Deal during 2021.”
Tenders are to be submitted through Public Contracts Scotland by mid-March.
