Moray Council appoints Taylor and Fraser as the main contractor for redevelopment of Elgin Town Hall
Moray Council has appointed Taylor and Fraser as the main contractor for the redevelopment of Elgin Town Hall.
The mechanical engineer is now inviting local companies interested in sub-contracting for the project to meet with them on Tuesday, October 14 from 5- 7pm at the Mansfield Hotel, Elgin.
Construction director, Angus MacInnes, confirmed that, working with Moray Pathways, they will outline what is involved in sub-contract delivery, timescales, community benefits and explain how organisations can express their interest.
He said: “It is a significant element of the ‘Cultural Quarter’ project, with the building set to play a pivotal role within the community in the future.
“We look forward to working with Moray Council and the wider project team in creating a modern and highly functional space for the people of Elgin, while maintaining the heritage and integrity of the building.”
Elgin Town Hall is a key site within the Cultural Quarter project, part of Moray’s £100 million Growth Deal. The total estimated capital costs are £28.2 million, including funding for both Elgin Town Hall and Grant Lodge. Of this, £22.2m has been committed through the Moray Growth Deal.
Phase one of the redevelopment of Elgin Town Hall is fully funded, with funding applications pending for later phases including covering Grant Lodge.
The town hall will be modernised to create a vibrant multi-use facility. It will include upgraded performance spaces, improved accessibility and facilities for community use and large cultural events.
The project team also includes quantity surveyor and project manager, Thomson Gray, as well as LDN Architects. They aim to balance the building’s heritage with the creation of a sustainable, high-quality venue.
Preparatory work on the redevelopment started earlier this year, with construction expected to begin this month - scheduled for completion in 2027.
Ahead of the main works, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) carried out excavation works over the summer to prepare key below-ground infrastructure.
Moray Council’s leader, Councillor Kathleen Robertson, said: “We can look ahead to the vision for a modern, flexible and welcoming facility take shape. The redevelopment will provide a cultural and economic boost to the whole region.”
Chairman of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, added: “This project will provide a fantastic cultural hub for the community, support local jobs, and attract visitors for years to come.”
Venue operators, Elgin Town Hall for the Community (ETHC), have established a temporary base during the redevelopment - the ‘Wee Community Theatre’ at Elgin Community Centre already has an events programme underway.
Chairwoman, Jackie Andrews, said it is great to “finally get the show on the road”.
She added: “The enhanced spaces will allow us to attract a wide variety of performances including, we hope, National Theatre of Scotland, ballet, opera, as well as our usual amazing acts.”