The above-ground demolition phase of the South Street regeneration project in Elgin has been successfully completed.

The project, a collaboration between Moray Council, Robertson Property Ltd (RPL), Moray Growth Deal, and UHI Moray, will now move into the ground-level clearance stage.

The initial phase involved the removal of several properties on South Street and Elgin High Street, including two former toy shops and two derelict sites: the former Newmarket Bar and the Jailhouse nightclub. The £18m project is funded by the Levelling Up Fund.

With the demolition complete, archaeological investigations will now be carried out by AOC Archaeology Group. These investigations will identify and record any archaeological remains on the site before construction begins. This follows AOC's initial historic building survey and background research.

AOC and Robertson are also working with UHI Archaeology students, providing training and lectures in commercial and historic archaeology. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the historical recording process.

The archaeological phase is expected to last several weeks and will be conducted in accordance with planning requirements and in collaboration with heritage professionals. Construction on the South Street project is scheduled to begin by summer 2025.

The South Street regeneration is part of two key Moray Growth Deal projects. The first is the Housing Mix Delivery project, funded by £5 million from the Scottish Government and £2.5 million from Moray Council, which will deliver 38 affordable one and two-bedroom flats on South Street.

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The second is the Business Enterprise Hub, which will support business growth and entrepreneurship by providing flexible space for businesses and students. This project is funded by £5.3 million from the Scottish Government, £1 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), £750,000 from UHI, and £750,000 from the Elgin Neighbourhood Board (pending UK Government approval).

The regeneration project also includes the creation of three commercial retail units and improved public spaces to enhance connections between South Street and the High Street.

Cllr Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "This is an exciting stage in the regeneration of South Street. With the first stage of demolition now behind us, we can begin to explore and understand more about the history of the site through the archaeological investigations. It's fantastic to see UHI students getting involved, it's a great example of how regeneration projects can join stakeholders together to benefit the wider community, including education and skills development."

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: "The completion of the initial demolition phase is an important milestone. It also offers a unique opportunity for community engagement and learning, with students gaining experience as part of the process. As a business founded in Elgin, it's important to us to help shape the next chapter in Elgin's story. In partnership with Moray Council, UHI Moray and HIE, we are committed to delivering this key element of the Elgin City Centre Masterplan."

David Patterson, UHI Moray Principal and Senior Responsible Officer (Business Enterprise Hub), added: "It's been exciting to see the site clearance work proceeding on the BE Hub South Street site. We're delighted that UHI Archaeology students will be able to participate in this work. The BE Hub project has been designed around creating strong inter-relations between entrepreneurs, businesses support agencies, students and academic and research staff."

Mary Peteranna from AOS Archaeology Group, said: "We are delighted to be involved with such important investigations in Elgin. Archaeological work is all about new discoveries and we look forward to sharing any new findings with the public."

Further updates on the archaeological findings and the next stages of the project will be released in due course. Updates on the South Street regeneration project can be found on the My Moray website.