BALFOUR Beatty will begin the build of the new £88.6 million Forres Academy on June 22, Moray Council has announced.
The new school campus is planned to open to pupils in autumn 2028 and will provide modern learning facilities for up to 1,120 pupils – including 40 enhanced additional support needs spaces, alongside a new 3G sports pitch, and improved outdoor spaces.
Initial works will focus on drainage on Albert Street, Castle Street, and Orchard Road, where a new surface water drain will be installed between the new Forres Academy site and the Mosset Burn from June 22.
The works are expected to last around 10 weeks, and will be delivered in phases, with traffic management in place, including temporary traffic lights, road closures, and signed diversion routes.
Phase one of the drainage works will include a temporary footpath closure on the north side of Orchard Road, with pedestrians directed to the south side, as well as road closures on sections of Burdshaugh Road and Strathcona Road.
Phase two will include temporary traffic lights, while Phase Three will include a road closure in two stages along Albert Street, first from the junction of Castle Street and Albert Street to Cicely Place, and then from Cicely Place along Albert Street.
This phased approach is intended to help minimise disruption and keep residents, pedestrians and road users safe. Local households have been made aware of the potential disruption directly.
The second will be highway improvement works on Orchard Road, scheduled to begin on Monday 29 June and expected to last around eight weeks. This will include construction of the new school entrance and changes to the footpath on Orchard Road.
Moray Council leader, councillor Kathleen Robertson, said, “It’s exciting to see the new Forres Academy project moving into the construction phase. This is a major investment in education for Forres and the surrounding area, and it will deliver a modern, high-quality learning environment for young people for years to come.
“We know construction works can bring some temporary disruption, particularly around local roads and access arrangements. We’re grateful for the patience and understanding of residents, businesses, parents, carers and road users as this important work gets underway.”
