Plans for a £12million sports complex in Elgin have been given a major funding boost – meaning building work can soon begin.
The team behind Moray Sports Centre (MSC) had been concerned that nationwide budget cuts would mean their efforts to secure funding would be hampered.
But yesterday, sportscotland pledged a vital £250,000 towards the project, which will now open the door to a raft of new financiers.
The sport centre’s chief executive, Kathryn Evans, said: “Presently the fundraising prospects across the UK are lessening almost on a daily basis, and therefore it’s great to have support from the national agency for sport.
“This will allow us to apply for other funding which requires its ‘blessing’.”
The complex will be made up of a £9million sports centre, which will have space for facilities including a 35-bike indoor cycling room and spring-loaded floor for gymnastics.
A restaurant, meeting space, therapy rooms and a soft play area are among £3million of complementary amenities also planned for the site.
While the current funding level towards the £12million total has not been disclosed, Miss Evans has revealed that enough has been raised to allow building work to begin.
She added: “We’re a good way into it, and we’re very happy with how we are progressing.
“We’re hoping to start construction within the next few months, so we’ve raised enough to get started.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: “Having been involved in the campaign for better sports facilities for Moray for a long time, I’m well aware of the excitement around the development of the Moray Sports Centre.
“Its fantastic news the project has received financial backing from sportscotland, which will hopefully help the project secure additional funding from elsewhere.
“As we fast approach the first shovel going in the ground, it is so important that the community gets behind the sports centre, supporting it in any way they can, given the real benefits it will bring.”
The announcement of sportscotland’s backing comes amid a turbulent financial time for Moray Leisure Centre, which is also in Elgin.
At the end of last year the council-funded facility was thrown a £58,000 lifeline and an investigation was launched following concerns that its running costs were “spiralling out of control”.
