Moray Council has awarded a £4million contract to design and build its new campus headquarters to Aberdeen-based Stewart Milne Construction following a competitive tender process.

An existing supermarket site adjacent to the council’s current premises in the centre of Elgin will be redeveloped to accommodate council departments currently based in satellite offices in and around the Elgin area.

The project, which is being delivered under the council’s Designing Better Services change programme, will deliver integration of council services, improved customer access facilities, increased efficiencies through new working practices and high levels of environmental performance.

The Designing Better Services programme is one of the most ambitious change programmes currently being undertaken by a Scottish authority and will generate annual efficiency savings of more than £4.4million for the council.

Access to council services and staff will be made easier for customers thanks to a larger contact centre, new electronic mailing systems, an integrated internet service and greater face-to-face access to staff in the new building. With increased car parking available, people with a disability will find accessing the building far easier than the current arrangements on the Greyfriars Street entrance.

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Designed to meet top environmental standards in the BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) rating, the new building will be an open plan format featuring increased natural light, a smart ventilation system for seasonal comfort, high levels of thermal insulation applied to the building fabric and increased air tightness to minimise heat loss.

Commenting on the project award, Bill Imlach, managing director of Stewart Milne Construction, said: “In the current highly competitive climate, our team is delighted to have been awarded this prestigious project which gives us increased presence in the North-East region. We are looking forward to working with Moray Council to deliver a successful programme of work with minimal disruption to existing council services.”

Councillor Allan Wright, deputy convener of Moray Council, added: “I am delighted that the contract has been awarded and that our new headquarters building moves a step closer. Alongside the existing HQ, the council will have offices that are fit for purpose, replacing the warren of building that we occupy in Elgin.

“Not only will our staff enjoy a much better working environment, but we will be able to deliver improved direct service contact with the public. Modern services delivered from a fit-for-purpose building makes good sense and should be viewed not only as a spend-to-save initiative but one which has the customer at heart.”

Preparatory work will begin on site next month, with completion scheduled for July next year.

(GK)