A significant milestone has been achieved in the transformation of Elgin's Cooper Park, with formal approval for the repurposing of the existing toilet block.

The plans, submitted in March 2025, detail the extension and alteration of the current toilet block to incorporate a new café with both indoor and outdoor seating. Crucially, new public toilets, including a Changing Places facility, will be integrated to cater to all park users, enhancing accessibility and the overall visitor experience in Cooper Park.

Beyond the building, improvement works are also slated for the Cooper Park pond. These will focus on enhancing water quality, boosting biodiversity, and improving the surrounding environment. The pond's restoration aims to support active use, featuring accessible walkways, biodiversity planting, and new seating areas, creating a more vibrant and engaging space for visitors.

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Collectively, these enhancements are designed to increase footfall in the park and the wider town centre, while simultaneously encouraging active lifestyles and improving the park's overall accessibility for the community.

Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, welcomed the decision: "This approval marks a major step forward in bringing our ambitious vision for Cooper Park to life. The redevelopment will celebrate the park's heritage while creating new opportunities for recreation, culture and community activity. I look forward to seeing progress on site and the benefits this will bring to residents and visitors alike."

With planning permission secured, the project's next phase will involve detailed design work and broader procurement activities, anticipated to conclude by Autumn 2025. Construction on the Cooper Park redevelopment is expected to commence in early 2026.

The Cooper Park redevelopment is a core component of Moray's Levelling Up Fund programme. This UK Government-provided fund has secured significant investment to support projects aligned with the Elgin City Centre Masterplan, aiming to improve local infrastructure, support jobs, and create opportunities across the region.