Moray Council has submitted a planning application to repurpose the existing toilet block in Elgin's Cooper Park into a new café, as part of a wider regeneration project backed by £18.3 million from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund.

The proposals detail the extension and alteration of the current structure to create a café with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as the inclusion of a Changing Places toilet facility to better serve park visitors with complex needs. The development aims to enhance the facilities within Cooper Park and improve the overall visitor experience.

In a separate development, Moray Council has confirmed that planned improvement works to the Cooper Park pond will proceed as permitted development, negating the need for a formal planning application. This work is anticipated to begin in early 2026 and will focus on improving water quality, boosting biodiversity, and enhancing the general environment of the popular pond. The restoration will also include the creation of accessible walkways, biodiversity-friendly planting, and new seating areas, aiming to establish a vibrant and engaging space for park users.

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Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Marc Macrae, commented: "The submission of this planning application marks another step forward in the transformation of Cooper Park. These improvements will create better facilities and outdoor spaces, ensuring the park remains a key attraction for both residents and visitors. With the Levelling Up Fund, we're investing in projects that will enhance the local area and provide lasting benefits to the community."

The Cooper Park redevelopment forms a significant part of Moray's Levelling Up Fund programme, which has secured substantial investment to support the delivery of projects outlined in the Elgin City Centre Masterplan. The UK Government fund is intended to improve local infrastructure, support job creation, and generate opportunities across the Moray region.

The enhancements planned for Cooper Park are a key element of these efforts, complementing the Moray Growth Deal Cultural Quarter project and investment from the Elgin Neighbourhood Plan (formerly the Elgin Long Term Town Plan). These initiatives collectively aim to revitalise one of Elgin's most valued green spaces.

The planning application for the café is now under consideration by the relevant authorities, and Moray Council has stated that updates on the project's progress will be provided in due course.