Enabling works are set to begin at Cooper Park in Elgin in mid February as part of an £18 million Levelling Up Fund investment confirmed by Moray Council.
The project marks the first visible stage of a long term plan to preserve and revitalise one of Elgin’s most cherished green spaces while improving access, biodiversity, and facilities for residents and visitors.
Initial works will focus on the park pond, with drainage taking place to allow essential maintenance and future improvements to be carried out safely and effectively.
Vegetation management will follow, aimed at improving sightlines and supporting biodiversity across the park while preparing the area for the next phases of development.
A small number of trees will be felled where necessary for safety and health reasons and to allow refurbishment works to proceed on the existing toilet block.
To protect wildlife during the works, mitigation measures will be installed on the pond islands to prevent swans from nesting while the pond is drained.
These measures form part of a swan protection plan produced by ecologists advising the council and include reflective tape and windmills to deter nesting activity.
Ramps will also be installed around the perimeter wall to allow swans to exit the pond safely during the works.
Mini ponds will be created to provide temporary habitats for pond weed and other organisms while the main pond is out of use.
By the start of March, the Cooper Park toilet block will undergo a full refurbishment to deliver modern and accessible facilities for park users.
The project includes extending and altering the existing building to create a cafe alongside new public toilets, including a Changing Places facility.
That phase of work is scheduled for completion by late Summer 2026.
Full improvement works to the Cooper Park pond area will begin in March, creating a more attractive and sustainable feature for wildlife and visitors alike.
Planned enhancements include new landscaping and planting to boost biodiversity, improved walking routes, upgraded play facilities, and refurbishment of historic park features.
Together, these changes aim to create a more accessible and inclusive public space that supports everyday use and long term enjoyment.
Moray Council has acknowledged that temporary disruption may occur during the works and has thanked the community for its patience.
The council has committed to minimising inconvenience wherever possible while delivering what it describes as a significant investment in Elgin’s public realm.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Marc Macrae, said:
“Cooper Park is a much loved space at the heart of Elgin, and these improvements will make it even more enjoyable for residents and visitors.
“The Levelling Up Fund investment allows us to enhance facilities, improve biodiversity, and create a park that meets the needs of our community now and in the future.”
For further information and updates, visit MyMoray
