News of St Giles Centre’s imminent closure came as a shock to many.
Despite confirmation that it will close on January 20 many questions remain unanswered.
The St Giles Centre. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
We have put some of the most pressing of which to Moray Council.
Here is what they had to say:
Will the centre’s closure have an impact on the St Giles Centre car park?
No, the car park will remain in use as it is currently.
Will the toilets within the centre remain accessible to the public or will they be closed?
The toilets are within the centre and managed by the centre so our understanding is they will not be accessed when the building closes.
How does the council plan on recouping the reported £750,000 in unpaid non-domestic rates?
Action taken, if any, will depend on what happens to St Giles Holding Co ltd.
Will the taxpayer foot the bill if this fee cannot be recouped?
The council is the rates levying body and bills, collects and enforces payment and retains all Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) collected.
However, NDR forms part of the overall funding package from the Scottish Government, who will effectively make up the shortfall to Moray Council from this debt.
Does the council know what will happen to the building in the short term after January 20?
The council is not privy to the plans the owners have for the building after 20 January.
Will the closure have any kind of impact on Stagecoach and the bus station?
We have requested clarification on the future of the bus station in its current location and will continue to work with Stagecoach on contingency arrangements.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach North Scotland said: “We are currently in discussions with the local authority in regard to the future of Elgin Bus Station.
“We will update customers as soon as a solution is agreed.”