New taskforce aiming to breathe life into Moray's town centres
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A NEW taskforce that is aiming to breathe life into Moray's town centres met for the first time this week.
Moray Town Centres Task Force held its maiden meeting at Elgin Youth Café on Monday, September 4, with community stakeholders from several local towns present.
The taskforce – led by Moray Chamber of Commerce – aims to 'revitalise and enhance' town centres in Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Elgin, Forres, Keith, and Lossiemouth.
Local business owners, Moray Council employees and members of community organisations make up the task force – which around 15 people signed up for.
Sarah Medcraf, Moray Chamber's CEO, said: "People were very open to being honest and pragmatic about the realities of our town centres – but also very aware that we can make change.
"Some of the ownership community groups, some lies with businesses, some with partner organisations and some with Moray Council."
Local stakeholders from Dufftown, Elgin, Forres, Keith and Lossiemouth were in attendance at the first meeting – but people from Aberlour and Buckie are still being sought.
Business and partner representatives and members of the Strategic Planning and Development team at Moray Council were also in attendance.
In addition, there is a full-time, 12-month role, for a Town Centre Development Manager. This is being funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is hoped someone will be appointed in the coming months.
Ms Medcraf added: "There is a lot of positivity – not outwith recognising that it is a challenge. People know it will be a challenge, but it's one that people are willing to undertake.
"Looking at one town will not make a success, people are working together to look at Moray as a whole.
"We recognise there is a lot of nostalgia around town centres and our job is to create town centres that people look back on in 15 years with nostalgia.
"We have our collective vision and now we need to create an action plan."
The taskforce's aims and objectives include maximising footfall, identifying regeneration and development opportunities and leading efforts to reach net-zero.
All of this work will be done in coordination with existing town centre improvement plans.
Moray Chamber of Commerce's website can be visited for updates and developments at www.moraychamber.co.uk
