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A ONCE DERELICT BUILDING on Elgin High Street has been transformed into ten luxury offices – and signals an ongoing revival for businesses in Moray’s main town.
The six-year renovation work at 164 High Street finally came to an end this week – leaving Elgin with a new Caledonian House Business Centre – and already many of the offices have been snapped up.
With the potential to create around 40 new jobs, the centre provides another boost for the local economy and underlines the recovery in Elgin as businesses reappear in the town centre.
The building boasts many original features, such as exposed stone walls and towering wooden beams, with developers striving to maximise the building’s natural light. At an open day attended by the local business community, property developers Gairland announced that 50% of the project’s office space had already been let.
Abigail Dempster, Gairland Operations Manager, said: “Gairland is committed to turning old and interesting buildings into productive, beautiful spaces. Caledonian House Business Centre has been a long-term project of ours, but we are delighted to see this new facility bring jobs and bustle to the High Street.
“Our office spaces are all unique – each one designed to accentuate natural light, show off period features, and provide our tenants with a space which they can be proud of.
“The feedback we have received from our founding tenants and other visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. I would like to extend a personal invitation to any organisations who would live to view the space to get in touch. We would be more than happy to show them Moray’s newest business centre.”
Georgia Dunk from The Moray Chamber of Commerce, added: “Seeing Caledonian House develop has been very exciting. Visiting before the project was finished, it was evident what a high-quality establishment was being created.
“Now it’s finished we have not been disappointed. Caledonian House is a collection of offices finished to an exceptionally high standard. Its location makes it a fantastic choice for businesses operating within Elgin. With an already varied selection of residents, we’re sure that the development of Caledonian House will enhance the business community of Moray.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead welcomed the investment in Elgin town centre, saying: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see the investment in the old Caledonian Bank bringing the building back into use and jobs into Elgin’s town centre.
“There’s been a lot of good news in the town centre over the last year and the Caledonian House Business Centre is certainly another welcome addition to the High Street.
“With over half the office spaces filled already it is clear there’s demand for this type of accommodation on the High Street. Elgin town centre has such huge potential and with regeneration and investment like this in the High Street, there’s a lot to be optimistic about going forward.”