Elgin Town Hall Transformation and Hotel Work – What You Need to Know
Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals across Moray. Grab a cuppa and enjoy this week’s read which is packed with interesting plans.
The Sunninghill Hotel on Hay Street has a rich history dating back over 150 years when it was built by a retired merchant sea captain. In 1979, Donald and Winnie Ross purchased the building, which at the time only had six letting rooms and operated primarily as a pub. Over the years, they transformed it into a modern hotel and restaurant. The hotel, which remains family-run with Alastair Ross and Jonathan Orr as directors, still retains the original 19th-century grand Elgin family home. The recent approval for alterations to the hotel’s bedrooms is estimated to cost around £10,000, as per an approved building warrant represented by Wittets Architects.
Moving on to the Elgin Town Hall transformation, the plans include a new entrance extension where audiences will enter the venue. The previous entrance area will be converted into a bar, and a new rehearsal space will be established. Planning chiefs have granted listed building consent and planning permission for the makeover, expected to commence early next year. However, audiences will have to wait until 2027 to enjoy the revamped venue.
Gordon & MacPhail’s South Street building is also undergoing a transformation into a tourist attraction. The multimillion-pound makeover will feature displays, tasting rooms, and a liquid library of rare whiskies. The project, which was initially set to reopen this year, is currently under construction. The proposed replacement of windows and rainwater goods has been delayed, but the transformation is still in progress.
The council’s transport department has raised concerns about proposed flagpoles at the new main entrance of the building. They fear that the poles could pose a safety hazard if placed too close to the road. However, with certain adjustments, the transportation department may approve the placement of the flagpoles.
Lastly, the former antiques shop on Elgin High Street is set to be transformed into a new takeaway. The proposal, which has received 21 objections, outlines plans for a doner kebab machine and pizza oven. The building warrant for this project suggests an estimated cost of £10,000. Athmane Ziane is leading the transformation with CM Design representing him in the planning process.
If you have any interesting plans to share, feel free to reach out at sean.mcangus@ajl.co.uk. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting transformations happening across Moray.
