The future of Elgin City, Scotland

Economics Strategy and Master Planning

When Moray Community Planning Partnership (MCCP) wanted to create a masterplan to support Elgin City, we provided the core economic elements. This multidisciplinary project’s goal was to examine Elgin’s future role and find ways to bring about its sustainable regeneration.

First, we prepared economic analyses of the local economy’s drivers: key tourism, food and drink, and defence sectors. We also assisted in the stakeholder workshop elements and carried out face-to-face discussions with most of the key businesses in the area including world-renowned brands such as Walkers, Baxters, and well-known whisky distillers.

A key team member at the options development and appraisal stages, we used that knowledge to finalise the action plan, addressing linkage and access obstacles brought up by the community. Considerations included the routing of the A96 through the centre of town and long-standing flooding issues. We also developed a series of enabling themes such as development initiatives for education and businesses to support sector and placemaking initiatives.

A planning application has already been submitted for the first phase of the masterplan, including 870 homes, a sports centre, and sites for two new schools. Another two phases of development are expected to be submitted over the next 20 years to complete the development and create a vibrant community that many can call home.