Moray Council has appointed Taylor and Fraser as the main construction contractor for the ambitious redevelopment of Elgin Town Hall. The appointment is a major step forward for the Cultural Quarter project, which forms a key part of the region's £100 million Growth Deal.

The Town Hall refurbishment is Phase One of the Cultural Quarter, which has an estimated total capital cost of £28.2m—£22.2m of which is secured through the Moray Growth Deal to fund the Town Hall and later phases concerning Grant Lodge (pending further funding applications).

Construction on the main works is scheduled to begin in October 2025 and is expected to be complete in 2027. The goal is to modernise the iconic town centre building into a vibrant, multi-use facility that will support arts, culture, and community activity for future generations.

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The redeveloped venue will feature:

• Upgraded performance spaces.

• Improved accessibility throughout the building.

• Facilities designed to host both large-scale cultural events and local community use.

The project team, alongside Taylor and Fraser, includes Thomson Gray (Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager) and LDN Architects.

Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, called the appointment a "significant step forward", highlighting that the redevelopment will "not only protect the heritage of this important building but also provide a cultural and economic boost to the whole region".

Sub-contractor Opportunities and Community Engagement

In a move to ensure local benefit, Taylor and Fraser is actively seeking local companies for sub-contracting work. They held an event on Tuesday, 14 October to outline opportunities in packages including joinery, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and scaffolding.

Angus MacInnes, Construction Director at Taylor and Fraser, said the project aligns perfectly with their tagline, "Respecting the past. Building for the future," and confirmed their commitment to creating a modern, functional space while "maintaining the heritage and integrity of the building".

Meanwhile, Elgin Town Hall for the Community (ETHC), who operate the venue, have relocated to a temporary base called the 'Wee Community Theatre' at the Elgin Community Centre, where their events programme is already underway. Jackie Andrews, ETHC Chair, looks forward to the enhanced venue being able to attract national artists like the National Theatre of Scotland, Ballet, and Opera.