Plans to bring Elgin’s historic Grant Lodge back into public use have taken a significant step forward with new support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Moray Council has secured £212,427 to develop detailed proposals for the future of the building, which has stood empty for more than 20 years.
The funding will allow the council and its partners to progress designs, carry out specialist surveys, consult with the community and prepare a full business case for the next stage of redevelopment.
Grant Lodge was built in the 1760s by renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam and is a prominent landmark within Cooper Park and Moray’s built heritage.
The project aims to transform the building into Grant Lodge Gateway to Moray, a new hub focused on heritage, tourism and learning that will celebrate local culture, stories and identity.
Redevelopment of Grant Lodge forms a key part of the Cultural Quarter, one of the flagship projects within the Moray Growth Deal.
The Cultural Quarter is intended to revitalise Elgin town centre by enhancing cultural assets, creating new visitor attractions and supporting opportunities for creativity, learning and events that benefit the wider Moray community.
Alongside the Grant Lodge project, the Cultural Quarter will strengthen links between Elgin’s historic sites, boost Moray’s profile as a cultural destination and support local economic growth through increased visitor numbers.
The National Lottery funding will now allow the project to move into an important development phase.
Over the coming months, Moray Council will carry out architectural and conservation design work, undertake building and structural surveys and work with heritage specialists, tourism partners and local community groups.
The council will also develop activity plans and interpretation proposals, prepare the detailed business case required for the next funding stage and continue engagement with residents on how the building can best serve the community.
Once the development phase is complete, an application will be submitted to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the capital funding required to restore and reopen Grant Lodge.
Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said the funding marks a major milestone for the project.
“Securing this support for Grant Lodge marks a significant milestone in our ambition to protect and celebrate Moray’s heritage.
“Grant Lodge is an iconic building with a remarkable history, and for too long it has stood unused.
“This funding allows us to take an important step toward transforming it into a vibrant gateway to Moray, one that tells our story, supports tourism and creates a space the whole community can be proud of.
“I’m delighted to see this progress and grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for recognising the potential of this project within the wider Moray Growth Deal.”
Caroline Clark, Director for Scotland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the investment reflects a long term commitment to the region.
“To date the Heritage Fund has invested more than £60 million in projects across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray and we are delighted to add to that total with our support for these three projects.
“The Heritage Fund’s investment in the region has benefitted communities, tourism and the wider local economy.
“Creating opportunities for people of all ages to volunteer, to learn and train, and to get involved in heritage.
“Our investment will not only support new uses for these buildings it will help deliver the care they need to have a bright future as assets for the whole community.”
