Plans are afoot to convert an abandoned block of flood-damaged flats into a new housing complex in Moray’s biggest town.
Housing association Hanover Scotland has tendered a contract for the creation of 18 two-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom cottages on Haugh Road in Elgin.
The Hanover Court sheltered housing complex was destroyed by flood waters from the River Lossie in 1997 and then in 2002, and 18 ground-floor properties have lain dormant there for more than a decade.
The disused building is now set to be demolished and replaced with brand new flats suitable for retirees.
The contract for the work is anticipated to be worth around £3.5million, and candidates have until tomorrow to register an interest.
A spokesman for Hanover Scotland said the scheme was still at an early stage, but added that the firm was “looking forward” to progressing its plans.
He said: “This project is still at the feasibility stage and it is therefore too early to be able to provide details of the proposed development.
“But we are looking forward to developing proposals for this site.”
Hanover Scotland secured £40million in funding from the Bank of Scotland to boost housing numbers over the next five years, and the Elgin scheme is a direct result of the windfall.
When the sheltered housing complex at Hanover Court was first ravaged by flooding in 1997, 20 pensioners were forced to find alternative accommodation for months.
Then in 2002 the worst flooding to hit Moray in more than 180 years swamped the site and drove 40 older residents from their homes.
Since then, 18 ground-floor properties have remained unoccupied due to fears rising waters could attack again.
Chairman of Moray Council’s flood alleviation sub-committee, George Alexander, said the new development was a “positive spin-off” from the costly prevention works.
Mr Alexander added: “This is great news, and it’s exactly the kind of endorsement we are looking for.
“It shows that, since the alleviation works, more development is coming to Elgin and housing for older folk is always something we welcome.”