Momentum for the Moray Growth Deal is gathering pace as the steering group prepares to head to Edinburgh next week to thrash out long-term plans.
Meeting with Scottish and UK government officials, the team will look at the next steps for progressing the £200 million bid – including the scope of the project and how much money will be needed.
Moray council is spearheading the growth deal for the region to pay for dozens of projects in line with its vision to make the region an “exceptional” place to live.
The local authority’s corporate director for economic development, planning and infrastructure Rhona Gunn is looking forward to the meeting and said: “It will give us the opportunity to sit down with government officials and really understand how our bid stacks up and what else we need to do to get to the next stage – which is an agreement in principle with both governments.
“I am looking forward to a constructive day and am grateful for both the invitation to sit down with key advisers and the continued support of the project leads who will be joining us in Edinburgh.”
Proposals include a “cultural quarter” for Elgin encompassing Cooper Park, the Town Hall and Grant Lodge and a new gas pipeline to allow the towns businesses to expand.
Part of the process of attracting government support was to demonstrate that residents are behind the bid and My Moray launched in July to gauge interest – receiving more than 1,200 survey responses and 83% backing.
The Moray Growth Deal is a long-term plan centred around specific projects designed to transform the economy, address concerns around encouraging young people to live and work in the area and address gender inequality in employment.
It is hoped that by 2030 the region will be an “ambitious” and “thriving” place to live with an “exceptional” quality of life.
Stephen White, head of place-based economic development at the Scottish Government, will lead the talks which will give government officials the opportunity to consider the projects that have been put forward and work with the Moray Growth Deal team to help refine them.
Visit www.mymoray.co.uk for more information.