Scores of fitness fans descended on Elgin yesterday to glimpse plans for a massive new multi-million-pound sports complex in the town.
Two possible design schemes for the Moray Sports Centre building were exhibited during a consultation at Elgin Community Centre.
Project leaders said that many residents had been astonished by the scale of the proposed 12-acre site, which will be located opposite the Linkwood Distillery on the southern outskirts of the town.
Former international athlete, Kathryn Evans, is spearheading the ambitious scheme, and fielded a range of views on both possible designs.
She said: “This is very exciting for everybody, and people have been impressed by how different this is from existing facilities in Moray.
“The feedback we had was a real mixed bag, and we will take every bit of it into consideration as we go forward.
“Community engagement is really important, because we want people to feel that they are a part of this project.”
Plans emblazoned on boards forecast the centre would become a “destination building of architectural significance”.
Both designs feature a 5,000sq ft gymnastics hall, and an eight-court sports hall roughly 15,000sq ft in size.
The facility could be linked to a mountain bike track, and design options include space for an outdoor plaza and playground.
There will be 3G and grass rugby pitches and a running track at the site.
Plans for inside include a therapy room, social space, spinning studio, and a gym. And developers say its games hall could double as a conference centre with room for 500 people.
Autism campaigner Glyn Morris attended the consultation event to check allowances were being made for disabled youngsters who may wish to use the facility.
Mr Morris said: “It’s important the centre gets access issues right early on in the project, as that is far more cost-effective than making changes to existing buildings.
“These designs offer some excellent choices, and I have been able to suggest some small changes that could be significant in making it more friendly towards people with disabilities and mental health conditions.”
The venue is expected to be open to the public by 2018.