Moray Council has announced the official re-opening of Elgin's North Street following a major redevelopment scheme.

The road was closed in 2018 to allow for the safe reconstruction of the Poundland building on the corner of North Street and Elgin High Street. However, a number of well-documented challenges for the building owners meant both the road and the building remained closed for an extended period.

Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, welcome the re-opening of North Street: "I'd like to thank the community for their patience during the North Street closure, we're well aware of the difficulties this caused in terms of increased traffic and parking on Batchen Street and The Plainstones. There's no excuse now though, the priorities are very clear and I urge all road and pedestrian area users to adhere to the no entry aspects of these areas.


"I'd also like to congratulate Poundland on their efforts to rejuvenate a magnificent looking building in the heart of Elgin. It really gives the town centre a boost and shows what we can aspire to in town centres across Moray. I thank them for their continued interest and investment in Elgin and look forward to seeing them trading from their beautiful building once again."

Ben Wall, Poundland property director, added: "We know the extensive renovation and restoration has been challenging for our neighbours and we'd like to thank them for their patience as we've worked to restore this iconic Elgin building."

When North Street reopens road users should be aware that road use, priorities and restrictions in the area will return to what they were before the closure in 2018. 

These are:

North Street

All traffic from the west end of the High Street should use this route, one way northbound. There's no entry from Alexandra Road.

Batchen Street

This is a Pedestrian Zone - no access/no waiting unless for loading and unloading at premises fronting onto this street.

The Plainstones

This is a Pedestrian Zone – no traffic permitted with an exemption for permit holders and goods vehicles to load/unload from Midnight to 11.00am and from 4.00pm to Midnight.

No entry from eastern end of The Plainstones.