Moray Council wants to turn Cooper Park toilet block into café
Moray Council is planning to transform an out-of-use toilet block in the area’s most well-used park into a vibrant café.
The council submitted a planning application to repurpose the toilets beside the bowling green in Elgin’s Cooper Park.
Proposals include extending and altering the toilet block to turn it into a café, with a changing places toilet to support park users.
The café will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, with improvements aimed at enhancing facilities and the overall visitor experience in Cooper Park.
The application is part of the wider regeneration project funded by £18.3m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Separately, improvement works to the Cooper Park pond have been confirmed as permitted development, so no formal planning application is needed.
Work is anticipated to commence in early 2026, focusing on enhancing water quality, biodiversity, and the overall environment of this well-used feature.
The restoration of the pond will support active use, with accessible walkways, biodiversity planting and new seating, creating a vibrant and engaging space for visitors to enjoy.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Marc Macrae (Fochabers Lhanbryde, Conservative), said: “The submission of this planning application marks another step forward in the transformation of Cooper Park.
“These improvements will create better facilities and outdoor spaces, ensuring the park remains a key attraction for both residents and visitors.
“With the Levelling Up Fund, we’re investing in projects that will enhance the local area and provide lasting benefits to the community.”
The Cooper Park redevelopment is part of Moray’s Levelling Up Fund programme, which has secured significant investment towards delivery of projects to support the Elgin City Centre Masterplan.
The fund, provided by the UK Government, aims to improve local infrastructure, support jobs and create opportunities across the region.
The planning application is now under consideration. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.
For more information, visit the My Moray website.
