Extension plans for Elgin shopping centre approved

PLANS for a £7 million extension to Moray’s largest shopping centre were today approved by councillors.

Plans for the extension to the shopping centre were today approved by councillors. Picture: Contributed

Upland Investments, the developers behind the major extension to the St Giles Centre in Elgin, have said the development will signal a “new chapter” for retail in the town.

The extension will more than double the existing retail space at the centre and is expected to create more than 200 new jobs.

The existing facade of the shopping centre is to be retained and the new extension built onto the rear of the building, with retail floor space extending over three floors.

The development was approved by eight votes to three at a meeting of Moray Council’s planning and regulatory services committee in Elgin.

Councillor Douglas Ross, the committee chairman, said: “I am delighted to see this application coming forward. It is exciting for Elgin town centre to see a development of this scale and hopefully this will encourage new shops and business to come into the centre. Obviously that will have a positive knock on effect on the town centre.”

Planning officials had recommended approval.Angus Burnie, the council’s Principal Planning officer, told councillors: “Rather than have an adverse effect, the proposal is considered to have the potential to enhance the overall viability of the town centre.”