An uninviting Moray bus depot could be in line for a makeover as part of a town centre improvement scheme.
Elgin bus station’s decaying exterior has come in for criticism over the past year, with one local leader claiming its unattractive facade acts as a deterrent to tourists.
But now plans are afoot to restore some of its sheen, with the Elgin Business Improvement District (Bid) group applying for council backing to carry out a string of improvements.
Enhancements would include adding new and better external lighting, improving the station’s canopy shelter by re-cladding it, installing a PA system and replacing safety railings and seating areas.
Plans also include new signs directing pedestrians more clearly to the station from the town centre.
A report that will go before Moray Council describes the station as “generally tired in appearance and failing in aspiration as a modern transport hub”.
The extent of the funding that would be required to cover the redesign is not yet known, and Elgin Bid is seeking only assurances that Moray Council will back its plans.
Forres councillor George Alexander has previously condemned the venue as off-putting to visitors, and appealed for Moray Council to upgrade it.
Yesterday he welcomed plans for its improvement – but said it was up to bus station users to maintain the site.
He said: “This is certainly a positive step, and I agree that a number of the proposed measures are necessary.
“But my main issue with the station is people smoking cigarettes, and ignoring signs against it.
“It will be up to these people to ensure the station is not littered with cigarette ends.”
Stagecoach leases the terminal from Moray Council, and the bus firm yesterday pledged its support to the scheme.
A spokeswoman said: “Stagecoach is proud to support many local initiatives, especially those which will aid the communities in which we operate.
“We welcome this news and would be happy to work alongside Elgin Bid on improvement proposals for the station.”
The bus depot, which is more than 20 years old, forms part of Elgin’s St Giles shopping centre.
Planning permission for a £7million extension to the centre, including the renovation or replacement of the station, has been in place for more than two years but the project is yet to get off the ground.
A report outlining the improvement plans will go before the local authority’s economic development and infrastructure services committee tomorrow.