Moray Council is preparing to start early mobilisation for the new Forres Academy, pending final contract agreement. The preparatory phase is scheduled for 1–22 June 2026 and is intended to ready the site safely before the main construction begins.

Activities will include putting up temporary fencing around parts of the site boundary — including sections beside Applegrove Primary School and the existing playing fields — establishing temporary site access and creating a temporary contractor compound.

The programme will be phased to reduce disruption to pupils, staff, nearby residents and road users, while keeping a safe separation between Applegrove Primary School and construction areas. Health and safety briefings are being arranged with Applegrove Primary and Forres Academy ahead of works starting.

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Subject to final contract agreement, a public drop-in will take place on Tuesday 26 May from 3pm to 8pm at Forres Town Hall, offering residents a chance to hear more about the plans.

Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: "Reaching this stage is an important milestone for the new Forres Academy. These early works will help prepare the site safely and efficiently ahead of the main construction programme, while ensuring the school can continue to operate as normal as possible throughout the process.

"We understand local residents and families may notice increased activity around the site during these works, and we appreciate the community's patience and support as the project progresses."

Richard Park, Chief Executive of hub North Scotland, who are Moray Council's delivery partner for the project, said: "This is a landmark moment for the new Forres Academy project and the most important thing for us is to ensure the local community are kept fully engaged and informed as the works progress."

Traffic management, maintained pedestrian access and secure work zones will be in place throughout the mobilisation period.

Further details, including a drawing of the planned mobilisation layout, are available on Moray Engage (engage.moray.gov.uk/new-forres-academy-construction).

The new school is expected to open in autumn 2028, after which the current building will be demolished as part of the wider site redevelopment. Updates will continue to be shared as the project moves forward.