In Autumn 2028, the new school campus is expected to open and will facilitate up to 1,120 pupils within its modern learning facilities. This includes 40 enhanced additional support needs spaces, as well as a new 3G sports pitch and improved outdoor areas.

The next phase of work includes drainage works on Albert Street, Castle Street and Orchard Road, where from June 22nd a new surface water drain will be installed between the new Forres Academy site and the Mosset Burn.

It is anticipated that the works will go on for around ten weeks, being carried out in phases, with short-term traffic lights, road closures, and signed diversion routes in place to manage traffic. 

A temporary footpath closure on the north side of Orchard Road, in which pedestrians are directed to the south side, as well as road closures on sections of Burdshaugh Road and Strathcona Road will form part of the first phase of drainage works. 

Temporary traffic lights will form part of the second phase. In phase three, there will be a road closure in two stages in Albert Street, with the first being from the junction of Castle Street and Albert Street to Cicely Place, and the second being from Cicely Place along Albert Street. 

Phase two intends to reduce disruption and maintain safety for road users and pedestrians, but local households have been informed of the possible disruption. 

Highway improvement works on Orchard Road are set to start on June 29th and are anticipated to go on for approximately eight weeks. This includes alterations to the footpath on Orchard Road and the construction of the new school entrance. 

An area of the footpath on the south side of Orchard Road will not be accessible during the highway improvement works, with pedestrians instead directed to walk through the footpath on the north side.

During the construction works, access to all properties on Orchard Road will be maintained, with the short-term restriction only relating to waiting and parking. Vehicles will still be able to access and exit properties, such as for business activities, customer visits and deliveries. 

Councillor Kathleen Robertson, leader of Moray Council, said: “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.”

At present, Balfour Beatty and Moray Council are working together to keep track of the arrangements and reduce disruption.