A Moray business group has revealed that its aims to modernise Elgin’s dowdy bus station are part of a £160,000 town centre improvement scheme.
Elgin Business Improvement District (Bid) was this week given the local authority’s blessing to launch improvement measures at the town’s decaying bus terminal.
And yesterday the group revealed that its ambitions to revamp the venue are a key aspect of a £162,000 crusade to make the heart of Elgin more attractive to visitors.
The Elgin Townscape initiative has been formulated to give the town centre an overhaul, following a detailed public survey carried out among residents this year.
Elgin Bid manager Gill Neill said: “We plan extensive work at the bus station, and hope to improve its lighting and canopy as well as installing a PA system.
“We would also like to update the railings and improve signage, seating and access to the inquiry office.”
But she said the group’s aspirations extend throughout the centre of Elgin, and include creating digital street signs and new bike racks, and adding eye-catching 3D vinyls to the windows of disused premises.
Elgin Bid also wants to ensure there is free wi-fi coverage throughout the town centre.
The group hopes to secure £147,000 in funding from the Scottish Government to carry out the work, and will provide £15,000 from its own funds.
Over the course of the two-year project it is estimated the scheme will create at least 12 jobs.
Mrs Neill added: “The Elgin Townscape Project will provide us another opportunity to positively enhance the city centre, increasing the services to visitors and local people.”
Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee this week endorsed Bid’s plans and gave the group its approval to seek government funding for the bus station’s improvement.
Members heard that, as the project progresses, Stagecoach, who lease the property from Moray Council, would look to become involved in contributing towards its refurbishment.
The move to do up the bus depot came after one Moray councillor voiced fears the station could deter tourists from the area.