Plans for a new Forres Academy have been approved, clearing the way for a modern secondary school to be built next to Applegrove Primary School.
Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee granted planning permission on Wednesday 14 January, marking a major milestone for education provision in Forres and the surrounding area.
The approved development will deliver a three storey school building designed to accommodate up to 1,120 pupils.
The new academy will include modern teaching spaces, specialist facilities for additional support needs, and a wide range of community focused amenities.
Extensive sports provision forms a central part of the plans, including a full size 3G synthetic pitch alongside indoor and outdoor fitness facilities.
The design also includes enhanced landscaping, helping to integrate the school into its surroundings while creating a safe and welcoming environment for pupils and visitors.
Beyond the school day, the facilities will be made available for public use, supporting local sports clubs, fitness activities and wider community use.
A range of supporting infrastructure will be delivered as part of the project, including new pedestrian and cycle paths, improved vehicular access, a bus lay by, and car parking.
Electric vehicle charging points will be installed, alongside flood mitigation measures to ensure long term resilience of the site.
The existing Forres Academy building will remain in use until the new school is fully operational.
Once the new academy opens, the current school building will be demolished, with the site repurposed to provide the main car park for the new school and a 3G pitch.
Councillor David Gordon, Chair of Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee, acknowledged the importance of the decision for the local community.
“We recognise how important the future of the school is to the community, and I’d like to sincerely thank those who have shared their views and contributed throughout this process.”
The approval brings Forres a step closer to a modern secondary school designed to meet the needs of current and future generations, while also providing long term benefits for the wider community.
A frequently asked questions page on the project is available here.
