A major milestone has been reached in the long awaited replacement of Forres Academy after contracts were formally signed for the £88.6 million project, paving the way for construction to begin on one of the biggest education investments currently underway in Moray.
Moray Council, Hub North Scotland and construction giant Balfour Beatty have now secured finance and signed the agreements that will allow work to move from the planning stage into delivery, bringing a brand new school campus a significant step closer to reality.
When complete, the new academy will provide modern facilities for up to 1,120 pupils and include dedicated provision for 40 enhanced additional support needs places alongside improved outdoor spaces and a new 3G sports pitch.
Forres Academy has long been at the centre of community discussions about the future of education in the town, with generations of local families passing through its doors and many eager to see modern facilities created for future pupils.
The project forms part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme and represents one of the largest public investments currently taking place in Moray.
While the headline figure of almost £89 million reflects the scale of the development itself, supporters say the project is also about creating opportunities for local people through construction jobs, apprenticeships and wider community benefits during the build.
Moray Council Leader Kathleen Robertson welcomed the agreement and said the project had now entered an exciting new phase.
She said:
“Reaching financial close and signing the contract is a major step forward for the new Forres Academy and means we can now move ahead with the exciting construction phase.
“We know how important this project is for pupils, staff, parents and the wider Forres community, and we’re committed to keeping people informed as work progresses and doing everything we can to minimise disruption locally.
“This investment is about giving young people the modern, high-quality learning environment they deserve while creating a school the whole community can be proud of for years to come.”
Hub North Scotland Chief Executive Richard Park said the agreement would now allow the focus to shift fully towards construction.
He said:
“This will be a fantastic facility for Forres when it is completed.
“We already have an excellent track record with Balfour Beatty in delivering new schools for Moray Council at Elgin High School, Lossiemouth High School and Linkwood Primary School.
“This Forres development will be more than just constructing a new building, there will also be a significant legacy through the training and employment opportunities it will create along with the community benefits work that will be carried out.”
Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Scottish business, added:
“At Balfour Beatty, we are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with hub North Scotland and Moray Council with the delivery of the new Forres Academy.
“Building on our experience in delivering high-quality educational facilities across Scotland, we look forward to creating a modern, sustainable learning environment that will benefit students and the wider community for years to come.”
Preparatory works are scheduled to begin between 1 June and 22 June, with activity on site expected to increase as the project moves into the main construction phase and one of Moray’s most significant education projects starts taking shape.
Full information, including details of the planned mobilisation works, is available on Moray Engage, with a printed copy also available to view at Forres Community Centre.
