Elgin town centre could be completely transformed if plans for a £7million expansion of the St Giles Centre get the go-ahead this week.
Developers who first announced their ambitious expansion plans for the centre earlier this year have submitted a planning application for a scheme that they say could create up to 210 jobs.
In recent times the centre has seen closure of several big-name brands including New Look and JJB Sports, with Dorothy Perkins the most recent national chain to shut its doors in Elgin.
However, the partnership between centre owners Upland Investments and Moray-based Robertson Property could revitalise the centre with plans also including improvements to the adjoining bus station.
Robertson’s development director, Katherine Mackintosh, said that as a locally based business they wished to deliver what was best for Elgin and claim to have already attracted interest in the development from several national chains.
She said: “Without this consent it is unlikely that Elgin will be able to leverage the kind of investment vital to a vibrant and diverse town centre.”
Commenting that it was fairly unique in these difficult times for any town or city to attract this level of investment, David Cameron from Upland Investments added: “To protect Elgin and provide stability for the future the town centre needs to grow and attract the kind of retailers that will make it a destination for shoppers from all over the area.”
The planning application will be considered by Councillors on Tuesday, with planning department officials recommended it be given the go-ahead.