A 3D model of the planned new Reidhaven Square in Keith will go on display in the town on Friday (October 19) giving people an idea of the proposed developments.

Following the culmination of a series of recent community consultations on making the square more attractive, the model along with drawings will be available to see in the window of the Rural Environmental Action Partnership (REAP) office on Mid Street.

The Keith Urban Design Framework's success in securing additional European funding allows Reidhaven Square to receive a makeover including improvements to the built environment, tress, lighting and kerbs. This first phase of the project will see a £200,000 development, as a result of partnership working between HIE Moray, and Moray Council in order to attract more visitors from the A96.

The project is building on the good work made by the co-ordinator, following her recent resignation and will continue to develop on some of the excellent proposals.

The regeneration project in Keith is just one of a number of measures being developed in line with the Moray 2020 strategy devised to combat economic challenges in the area.

Projects that have so far been highlighted include Pride and Passion - a tourism initiative that the co-ordinator succeeded in making a bid for and of which Keith is one of only six towns in Scotland to be selected for, led by HIE Moray in the interim.

A pilot specialist retail training programme in Keith will also be taken forward by HIE Moray after the main shopping area had being identified as high priority in revitalisation to create a strong market town identity. The steering group are currently discussing the recent report from Visioning Day. The Moray Council will take forward a project to design a logo for bags to be distributed in the town

Architects NB Planning and Design have been been selected to design, tender and project manage each phase of the Reidhaven Square project, with HIE Moray and Moray Council continuing to manage it.

Support will also be provided where appropriate to the newly formed Business Association, through advice from HIE Moray.

A learning journey to other towns that have been successful in carrying out regeneration will take place early next year as will the development of a website.