FULL STEAM AHEAD – that is the promise from the Moray firm behind one of the most extensive developments ever seen in the region.
Springfield Properties managing director Innes Smith has been looking back on the approval this week of plans to build 2500 new homes on the south of Elgin – the first phase of a long term development that will transform the area.
The approved phase one also includes two new primary schools and the Moray Sports Foundations’ new centre.
With the 2500 highly energy efficient homes, two schools and a £12 million sports centre the Elgin South expansion is a huge project worth over half a billion pounds.
Mr Smith said: “We’ve been working closely with Councillors to design the expansion of Elgin so we’re really pleased to have had the plans approved. Elgin South will be a like a new village.
“Our goal is to create a place, with everything a vibrant and thriving community needs, that people are proud to call home.
“These plans will continue our investment on the south side of Elgin over the coming decades, securing the employment of our workforce and many others.
“This is also a great opportunity for us to work with Moray Council to meet their affordable housing targets. To date, Springfield Properties have delivered over 900 affordable homes in Moray. Elgin South will bring a further 220 new affordable homes to the area in the first phase alone.”
The detailed plans for the first phase at Elgin South have already been submitted to Moray Council and a decision is expected early 2017. These show a mix of 850 new homes, two primary schools and the new sports centre, funded by Moray Sports Foundation.
The sports centre sits at the core of the village which will have eight multi-purpose courts, mixed use studios and halls, gym, class rooms and a coffee shop internals.
Surrounding the building there will be six tennis courts and all year round pitches for football and rugby and a 1km running trail.