Grant Lodge - Gateway to Moray (Moray Growth Deal)

Celebrating Culture, Heritage & Community in Moray

Welcome to the Cultural Quarter project. The project aims to increase tourism in Moray by providing a focal point to draw in additional visitors and signpost them to attractions right across the area, whilst providing an enhanced cultural and evening economy offering which will help attract and retain young people in the area.

Between 2025 and 2031, Moray Growth Deal funding will transform two of Elgin’s most significant category B-listed historic buildings.

• Phase 1 (2025–2027): Transformation of Elgin Town Hall
• Phase 2: Restoration of Grant Lodge

Redevelopment of these key sites within Elgin's new Cultural Quarter will raise the profile of Elgin and the region's wider offering.

Grant Lodge redevelopment

Once redeveloped, Grant Lodge will be returned to the heart of the community as a gateway to the park and the town, connecting on to attractions in Elgin and across the region. Grant Lodge will become the principal gateway to Cooper Park and a lynchpin for the Cultural Quarter with key connections to Elgin Museum, Elgin Cathedral, Elgin Library, Elgin Town Hall and beyond.

A place for celebration and relaxation, this new Culture and Tourism exchange will host activities while linking with interests, attractions, heritage sites, and experiences across the region.

The proposal is that Grant Lodge will provide the following facilities and functions:

• Restored heritage spaces with two sensitive contemporary extensions;
• Double height welcome room accessed from Cooper Park, an ideal meeting place for school trips, family outings, the tourist trade, learning, exploration and signposting.
• Gallery/exhibition space.
• Café/restaurant 40-90 covers.
• Private dining and meeting spaces.
• 2 events spaces with a park view 60-120 capacity.
• Spaces for activities, hospitality, retail, and private hire (talks, seminars and heritage/arts events, pop-ups, cooking demonstrations/tastings, corporate functions, meetings, weddings, celebrations)
• The stories of Moray will be woven throughout the building, with a focus on accessible, interactive stories and place-based content, Grant Lodge will be firmly rooted in Moray’s heritage, transforming it into a key destination to be enjoyed by locals and visitors near and far.