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Elgin South Street development: Everything you need to know about work to revitalise the iconic Jailhouse, Newmarket bar and Junners buildings

The key dates in the journey so far as the South Street development moves forward.

Former Junners shop will be demolished.
Former Junners shop will be demolished.

The Jailhouse, Newmarket bar and Junners are all places that bring back memories for people in Elgin.

Now they will be redeveloped through a mixed-use development in Elgin town centre.

It is fair to say it has been a long time coming for these empty big buildings to be given new life.

But the transformation is on the horizon.

Here the Press and Journal looks at the key dates so far in the journey.

November 16, 2021: Elgin town centre masterplan approved

Councillors approved the local authority’s Elgin town centre masterplan after public consultation.

The redevelopment of the Junners stores, Newmarket bar, Jailhouse and 53/55 South Street for a mixed-use development was included in the 10-year vision to change the face of Elgin.

December 6, 2023: Announcement about South Street redevelopment

Artist impression of Junners building redeveloped.
The Business Enterprise Hub could open in the former Junners toy shop. Image: Moray Council

Moray Council, development partners Robertson Property Limited (RPL) and UHI Moray announced the South Street redevelopment proposals.

This included the redevelopment of the former Junners toy shop, the Newmarket Bar and the Jailhouse nightclub.

Artist impression of South Street development in Elgin.
Aerial view of South Street development plans revealed. Moray. Image: Moray Council

The Moray Growth Deal is supporting elements of the project, while £18.3m Levelling Up Fund cash will also contribute to the redevelopments.

Homes, a business enterprise hub for new and growing businesses and additional units for shops were included as part of the vision.

Meanwhile, it emerged construction could start on the South Street redevelopment within the next 12 months.

December 15 2023: Exclusive details revealed

Sign for South Street in Elgin.
South Street pictured. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson

The Press and Journal exclusively reveals more details and floor plans about the South Street redevelopment ahead of public consultations.

This included the Moray Growth Deal backed Business Enterprise Hub planned in the former Junners toy shop at 51 South Street.

Exterior of the former Junners toy store at 51 South Street in Elgin.
51 South Street in Elgin pictured.

February 23, 2024: Plans submitted to Moray Council planners

The run down former site of the jailhouse nightclub in elgin
Look inside Jailhouse. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson

Architects Oberlanders submitted the proposals to planning chiefs on behalf of  Robertson Property Limited.

The plans include a business hub, three retail units, 38 flats across five blocks and a courtyard.

Documents revealed five buildings including the former Jailhouse nightclub will be demolished to make way for new buildings as part of the South Street redevelopment in the Elgin town centre.

Press and Journal newspaper clipping covering news of the five buildings set to be demolished to make way for new buildings as part of the South Street redevelopment in the Elgin town centre.
Our coverage of this vital moment. Image: Roddie Reid/DC Thomson

With the exception of  a C listed archway at the entrance to the former Junners toy shop which will be retained.

All the other buildings involved have been empty for sometime, apart from 53-55 South Street which is currently occupied by Elgin Furniture & Carpet Centre.

Meanwhile, the building at 51 South Street which was once home to Junners will be demolished too.

May 28, 2024: Councillors make a decision

3D model of what the South Street development will look like once it is completed.
3D model of what the South Street development will look like once it is completed. Image: Oberlanders Architects

Councillors on the planning committee gave the South Street development the go-ahead.

This decision marked a significant moment as it moves closer to a reality.

Robertson Group CEO Elliot Robertson hopes the regeneration will return economic benefit and life to the Elgin town centre.

Aerial view of Elgin.
Elgin from the sky! Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

June 29, 2024: Interview with former Junners owner

Graeme MacKenzie pictured outside the former Junners toy shop. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson</p> <p>

Earlier this year, local businessman Graeme Mackenzie sold the former Junners toyshop to Robertson Property Limited who are overseeing the mixed-use South Street development.

He also opened up to the Press and Journal about the eventful journey after previous efforts to sell the shop were unsuccessful.

October 31, 2024: Timeline revealed for demolition work

Jailhouse will be one of the buildings demolished.. Image: Clarke Cooper/ DC Thomson design team

Robertson bosses have announced the demolition timeline for the iconic Jailhouse nightclub, Newmarket Bar, and Junners buildings.

A property at 53-55 South Street currently occupied by Elgin Furniture & Carpet Centre will also be torn down.

Junners building. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

It is hoped the demolition work will start next year.

This news emerged after building standard chiefs gave the go-ahead to demolish the five venues.

According to the approved building warrant, it will cost around £477,000 to knock them all down.

All that will be left is a C-listed archway at the entrance to the former toy shop Junners.

*This article will be updated along the way

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