DEMOLITION work has been completed in Elgin town centre on the South Street regeneration project.
Several properties on both South Street and Elgin High Street, including two former toy shops and a bar and nightclub, have been demolished to make way for 38 affordable flats and a business hub.
The project – a partnership between Moray Council, Robertson Property Ltd (RPL), Moray Growth Deal, and UHI Moray – now moves into the ground level clearance stage of the programme.
With the area now cleared, ground level archaeological investigations will begin, led by AOC Archaeology Group. This stage will help identify and record any archaeological remains across the site before construction starts and follows on from AOC’s initial historic building survey and background research.
AOC and Robertson are also engaging with UHI Archaeology students to facilitate participation in the project. This will include training and lectures in commercial and historic archaeology and hopes to provide the chance for students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the wider historical recording process.
The archaeological phase is expected to last several weeks and will be carried out in line with planning requirements, in collaboration with heritage professionals. Construction on the South Street project is expected to begin by summer 2025.
The South Street regeneration forms part of two key Moray Growth Deal projects. The first is the housing mix delivery project, funded by £5 million from the Scottish Government and £2.5 million from Moray Council delivering 38 affordable one and two-bedroom flats on South Street.
The second is the business enterprise hub, which will support business growth and entrepreneurship by offering flexible space for both businesses and students. This includes £5.3 million from the Scottish Government, £1 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), £750,000 from UHI and £750,000 from the Elgin Neighbourhood Board (formerly Elgin Town Board), pending UK Government approval.
Elliot Robertson, CEO of Robertson Group, commented, “The completion of the initial demolition phase is an important milestone clearing the way for archaeological investigations that will help us understand and respect the history of the site before construction begins. It also offers a unique opportunity for community engagement and learning, with students gaining experience as part of the process.
“As a business founded in Elgin, it’s important to us to help shape the next chapter in Elgin’s story, bringing new purpose to underused parts of the town and encouraging both community and business activity, In partnership with Moray Council, UHI Moray and HIE, we are committed to delivering this key element of the Elgin city centre masterplan.”
Chair of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, councillor Marc Macrae, added, “This is an exciting stage in the regeneration of South Street. With the first stage of demolition now behind us, we can begin to explore and understand more about the history of the site through the archaeological investigations. This is not only a vital step for planning and preservation but also adds a fascinating layer of insight into Elgin’s past.
“It’s fantastic to see UHI students getting involved, it’s a great example of how regeneration projects can join stakeholders together to benefit the wider community, including education and skills development.”
Mary Peteranna from AOS Archaeology Group, said, “We are delighted to be involved with such important investigations in Elgin, where the community is at the heart of the site. The works have the opportunity to see into the past – ahead of the new building programme. Archaeological work is all about new discoveries and we look forward to sharing any new findings with the public.”
