New plans for the former Leanchoil Hospital have been submitted to Moray Council following the departure of Erskine as a partner.
Moves to re-purpose a former hospital into a community hub for health and wellbeing reached a major milestone this week.
Described as a ‘trailblazer’ for similar projects across the UK, draft plans for the conversion of the former Leanchoil hospital in Forres have been prepared as part of a pre-planning submission. A detailed planning application is expected to be submitted to Moray Council later this year.
Leanchoil trustees and Inverness-based architects LDN have been developing site plans to turn the listed building into a wide-ranging facility for the local community. The unique building and grounds will offer activities and services to support wellbeing, social engagement, volunteering, employment and learning for all ages, bringing long-lasting benefits to the people of Forres and its rural communities.
Plans include space for health and wellbeing facilities, a café, a STEM classroom for early years children, an immersive/interactive suite, and a digital health support facility. In addition, the Scottish Ambulance Service station will remain on site.
Development proposals include the construction of a 38-unit building on the site of the former maternity wing by project partners Hanover Scotland. The new building will provide supported accommodation for older people and those of all ages with additional needs.
Chair of the Leanchoil trustees, Marianne Nicolson, said agreeing the draft proposals at a meeting this week was a big day for the trust and its supporters.
“Getting to this stage means we are making tangible progress towards our goal,” she said.
“There is still a long way to go and we’ll need a big injection of cash – about £5 million – to realise the final vision we have for Leanchoil. However, this shows we’re on our way. The recent withdrawal of Erskine Veterans Charity from the project means we now have more space and can better mould the premises to the needs of the local area, which is reflected in our latest plans.
“I believe this project will become a trailblazer across the UK for re-purposing large redundant buildings for community use.”
The project has secured funding so far from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust and Scottish Land Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Berry Burn Community Fund, and Crown Estates.
Leanchoil Hospital was built in 1892 with funding from the Forres-born businessman and philanthropist Lord Strathcona and local subscriptions. The quality of the original construction means the building is structurally in generally excellent condition, giving more options for the re-purposing of the interior.
Should planning consent be agreed contracts would then be finalised and work could start on site in the spring of 2026.
