Two popular Forres leisure facilities are set to close temporarily as vital survey work gets underway to safeguard their future.
From Monday 30 June, both the Forres Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre and the neighbouring Moray Hydrotherapy Pool will shut their doors for up to five days.
The brief closure is needed to allow structural surveys to be carried out, as part of preparations for the demolition of the old Forres Academy building.
With a new school on the way, expected to open in Autumn 2028, the surveys are a crucial step in ensuring that nearby leisure buildings stay safe and sound throughout the construction and demolition phases.
The old school sits close to the pool complex, and with heavy works scheduled, the checks will help prevent any unintended impacts on the much-loved facilities.
Efforts will be made to complete the work as swiftly as possible, and the centres may reopen earlier than planned if conditions allow.
Regular updates will be shared on the Forres Swimming Pool’s Facebook page to keep the community informed throughout the closure.
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Chair of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, thanked residents for their patience.
“We’re grateful for the understanding shown by the local community while these essential checks are carried out,” she said.
“We know how important these facilities are for wellbeing and fitness, and this work will help ensure they remain accessible throughout the exciting changes ahead for Forres.”
The new Forres Academy promises a modern learning environment that will benefit young people in the area for generations to come.
Its design phase is already underway, and the project forms part of a wider investment in the future of education across Moray.
Locals seeking more information about the school plans can find an FAQ section on the Moray Council website.
In the meantime, those who use the leisure facilities are being asked to plan around the brief closure and keep an eye on social media for any early reopening announcements.