Work begins on new industrial units

Date Added - 03/11/09

Work has begun on a suite of new industrial units in Elgin to replace those which will make way for the town’s flood alleviation scheme. 

The eight units at Chanonry industrial estate are being built by Moray Council at a cost of around £700,000. 

Two businesses which will be displaced by the flood scheme have already confirmed they will relocate to the new site while a third has expressed interest in taking over another of the units. 

Five other expressions of interest have also been noted. 

Building work is due to be completed by the end of February and it is anticipated that the majority of the units will be occupied within a matter of weeks. 

Two of the units have a floor area of 70 square metres, four are slighting larger at 110 square metres and the remaining two are each 200 square metres. 

Councillor John Russell, chairman of the council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said the council had been committed for some time to providing alternative premises for businesses which would be forced to move to make way for the Elgin flood scheme. 

“These units represent a significant investment in the town’s small businesses sector and underscore Moray Council’s commitment to economic development at a local level,” said Councillor Russell. 

“The range of units in terms of size reflects the requirements of businesses which have to relocate because of the flood scheme and this development will enhance Chanonry’s position as an important and expanding industrial site.” 

In addition to the units now under construction, the council has plans to build further industrial units elsewhere on the Chanonry estate on a site which will be created by using surplus material from the flood alleviation works.