The final design of a £12million sports centre in Elgin has been unveiled.
Dozens of sports enthusiasts gathered at Moray College last night to hear a presentation from those who have worked to make Moray Sports Centre a reality.
The complex is the brainchild of Springfield Properties owner Sandy Adam, who rolled out his plans for it at a packed public meeting in the same hall last summer.
Upon his return last night, he and the project’s chief executive, Kathryn Evans, laid out their vision for the venue.
Mr Adam began the evening by revealing that he had purchased enough land to expand the premises from six acres to 27 acres.
After displaying the final design plan, Ms Evans said that its huge white walls could be used to project movies on during outdoor cinema sessions.
She said that organisers had settled on the look because it appeared “modern” and allowed scope for further development in later years.
Those who attended the meeting learned that the site will boast six tennis courts with a transparent plastic roof, two rugby pitches and a 1K running track.
The centre’s gym will be more than double the size of any currently in Moray, and will contain about 100 pieces of equipment.
The building will feature a gymnastics, trampoline and martial arts area as well as space for basketball, netball and badminton.
The team behind the venture have already amassed £1.7million towards its creation, but they need public backing to secure grants for the additional £10.3million required.
Ms Evans said: “We think it’s about time Moray got some money invested in its sports.
“But to progress these applications we need to provide evidence that people in Elgin want this built.”
She urged people to register their interest in the project, and to help fundraise for it where possible.
Mr Adam confirmed that he would tender a planning application with Moray Council within weeks, and that construction on the complex could begin by the end of this year and be complete within 18 months.
The executive director of Moray Chamber of Commerce, Marjorie McLennan, commended the “fabulous” design.
She added: “This will bring people into Moray, and that is as important as providing facilities for people here.”