Four big names in the world of business have clubbed together to revitalise Elgin’s town centre.
Elgin was announced yesterday as one of 29 towns up and down Britain which will receive help to transform its high street.
The scheme was developed by the charity Business in the Community (BIC) and founding partners Boots UK, the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer and Santander.
Over the next three years the BITC initiative seeks to create 3,000 jobs, increase the number of shoppers by 10% and reduce empty property units by 20%.
Jane Pritchard, BITC’s enterprise director, said “We are really looking forward to getting down to the real work of the campaign and demonstrating how, with corporate support, we can revitalise Britain’s high streets.”
The campaign, which has been given the name of Healthy High Streets, is focused on towns that demonstrate a need for help but also have the potential for growth.
Elgin will now receive a package of support tailored to the exact needs of its high street.
High streets minister Brandon Lewis said “It’s great to see some of the biggest names in British retail and Santander are using their business expertise and local knowledge to help others on the high street and attract more shoppers.”
Laura Cruickshank, the operations manager at Moray Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the news.
She said: “It’s fantastic to hear that Elgin is to receive assistance from BITC as part of the Healthy High Streets initiative.
“Any help which is set to increase footfall, employment levels and reduce empty shop units is warmly received and will no doubt compliment the ongoing efforts of Elgin BID.
“We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of Healthy High Streets over the next three years, and shall of course lend our continued support to any initiatives aimed at helping the Moray economy continue to grow.”