Councillors have cleared the way for two major projects which will change the face of Moray’s biggest town.
Members of the local authority yesterday backed the masterplan for a 2,500-home development at the south end of Elgin.
And they also approved a multimillion-pound scheme to build houses, a hotel and shops on 76 acres of land on the eastern edge of the town.
Developer Springfield Properties is behind both projects – and last night its management team pledged they would generate jobs in the community for decades to come.
The firm is aiming to start construction “within months” now that its vision for the expansion Elgin has secured council backing.
Company managing director, Innes Smith, is overseeing the landmark scheme to reshape the south of the town.
He said: “The detailed plan for the first phase, which includes schools, the £12million sports centre and 850 new homes, has already been submitted to Moray Council and we hope to gain approval in the coming months.
“We’ve been working with the council over the last year to design the masterplan for the expansion of Elgin, and we’re very pleased it has now been approved.
“These plans will continue our investment on the south side of Elgin over the coming decades, securing the employment of our workforce and many others.
“This is more than a development, it has been designed as a trio of new villages with everything a thriving community needs.”
Proposals for the new “gateway to Elgin” are also expected to gather pace following the outcome of yesterday’s local authority talks.
Springfield chairman, Sandy Adam, added: “We are delighted that the council has approved the masterplan for Elgin Business Park.
“We are working to get the infrastructure in place early next year, and already have interest from local companies looking to expand their business and increase the number of their employees.”
Mr Adam said the cost of the scheme could reach £50million.
Members of the council’s planning and regulatory services committee gave the twin projects their unanimous support.
They approved the framework for the business park, which will be used when determining future applications from companies looking to occupy space at the site.
The land will be available for business, industrial, retail, leisure and housing purposes.
The council’s principal planning officer, Gary Templeton, told elected members the area was a “key site” for employment in Elgin.
He added: “There will be a mix of uses, to allow the site to be released, and demand for space is high.”
Elgin City South councillor Graham Leadbitter said it was important cycle and pedestrian routes from the centre of the town to the park were incorporated in early design plans.
He added: “We need to get people into the habits of using sustainable travel wherever possible.”
Springfield Properties’ masterplan for the south of the town includes 2,500 homes, two primary schools and a sports centre.
Mr Templeton also asked committee members to consider the results of a public consultation exercise on the scheme.
The public survey took place between May and July, and attracted 25 responses.
Residents expressed a “strong demand” for the proposed sports centre as well as new bungalows.