The St Giles Shopping Centre in Elgin will close soon, affecting local businesses and jobs, prompting a response from Moray Council.
Elgin: The St Giles Shopping Centre is closing on Monday, and businesses have just 12 days to clear out. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
This centre had a mix of local shops and big names like WH Smith and Subway. Losing it means around 100 jobs are at risk, which is a big blow for the community.
Apparently, the owners ran into financial trouble, and now the building will shut its doors for good. It’s a real shame, especially for those who relied on it for their livelihoods.
Moray Council is stepping in to help. They’re looking to speed up planning processes for affected businesses so they can find new locations in Elgin. That’s a positive move.
A spokesperson mentioned they’re working with local partners to explore options for the centre and the community. They want to support businesses and developers as much as they can.
There’s talk of regeneration opportunities in Moray, which could bring some hope amid the current challenges. But last week, some local business owners were considering legal action to keep the centre open.
One retailer raised concerns about how the closure was handled, suggesting that a proper process should have been followed to secure a new landlord.
On Sunday, Richard Lochhead, the SNP MSP for Moray, called the closure “incredibly difficult.” He praised the Moray Chamber of Commerce for their efforts to help affected businesses.
He also stressed the need for clarity from the centre’s owners about what’s next, as it’s in a prime spot in town. Everyone is eager to know what will happen now.
