Young people as partners, elgin

It is so important to be designing for the future, with the future. Working with young people helps create town centres and public spaces that meet the needs of future generations, it brings new ideas and priorities to life, builds pride of place and ensure inclusive approaches to place.

Elgin’s regeneration plans with Pride in Place funding have community firmly in the driving seat. The Elgin Neighbourhood Board is overseeing the implementation of the plans, a community led Board which sets out to bring people together, set clear local priorities for Elgin and turn local ambition into practical action. 

They’ve provided a vehicle for the community including young people,  youth organisations and schools to shape the future of Elgin.

Community consultation During the development of the original Long-Term Town Plan and the current Regeneration Plan, the Elgin Neighbourhood Board sought ideas from residents of all ages, including young people, on priorities such as the town centre, transport, safety, and public spaces. This feedback has informed the town’s long-term investment programme.

The Active Youth Engagement (AYE) Bus One of their flagship projects is the AYE Bus, a mobile youth centre created specifically with input from local young people. Stagecoach redesigned the bus based on discussions with young people, and includes creative spaces, games, music facilities, and access to youth workers. Beyond providing support, the project is intended to ensure that young people’s views help shape safer and more welcoming public spaces in Elgin.

Youth organisations Groups such as Elgin Youth Development Group (EYDG) provide opportunities for young people to develop skills, volunteer, participate in community projects, and contribute to local decision-making. These organisations act as important partners in regeneration by ensuring young people’s perspectives are represented.

Ongoing engagement The Elgin Neighbourhood Board has committed to continued community engagement throughout the 10-year regeneration programme. Young people are expected to remain involved through consultations, partnership projects, and community-led initiatives as projects are developed and delivered.

Elgin’s plans treats young people as active partners rather than simply beneficiaries – they are embedding youth voices in decisions about how Elgin develops over the next decade.