Initial demolition phase completes on South Street regeneration project
Work on Elgin’s South Street regeneration project has made significant progress, with the successful completion of the above ground element of the demolition phase.
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.
As part of the £18m Levelling Up Fund, the initial stage involved removal of several properties on South Street and Elgin High Street, including two former toy shops and two derelict sites – the former Newmarket Bar and the Jailhouse nightclub.
With the area now cleared, ground level archaeological investigations will begin, led by AOC Archaeology Group. This important stage will help identify and record any archaeological remains across the site before construction starts. This work 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 £5.3m from the Scottish Government, £1m 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.
As part of the regeneration, three commercial retail units and improved public spaces will also create stronger links between South Street and the High Street.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, welcomed the milestone:
“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.”
Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said:
“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.”
David Patterson, UHI Moray Principal and Senior Responsible Officer (Business Enterprise Hub), added:
"It's been exciting to see the site clearance work proceeding on the BE Hub South Street site, and that we have now reached the stage for archaeological surveys to take place. We’re delighted that UHI Archaeology students will be able to participate in this work.
"The BE Hub project has been designed around creating strong inter-relations between entrepreneurs, businesses support agencies, students and academic and research staff. I wish our Archaeology students a useful and interesting engagement with the site, although hopefully not interesting enough to delay the build schedule."
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.”
Further updates on the archaeological findings and next stages of the project will be shared in due course.
Updates on the South Street regeneration project can be found on the My Moray website.