Subject to final contract agreement, Moray Council will begin early mobilisation works between 1 and 22 June 2026.

These preparatory activities will ready the site ahead of the main construction phase and include:

• Temporary fencing around parts of the site boundary, including areas near Applegrove Primary School and the existing playing fields
• Temporary access arrangements and creation of a contractor compound
• A phased programme designed to minimise disruption for pupils, staff, residents and road users

Health and safety briefings are being arranged with both Applegrove Primary School and Forres Academy to ensure safe separation between school activity and construction operations.

A public drop‑in session is planned for Tuesday 26 May, from 3pm to 8pm at Forres Town Hall, giving residents the chance to learn more about the mobilisation programme.

Council leader Cllr Kathleen Robertson described the milestone as an important step in delivering the new school, noting the council’s appreciation for the community’s patience as activity around the site increases.

Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, emphasised the project team’s commitment to keeping the community informed throughout the works.

Full details, including a drawing of the planned mobilisation layout, are available on Moray Engage, with a printed copy on display at Forres Community Centre.

In a parallel development, the Court of Session has granted Moray Council permission to use part of Roysvale Park, which forms part of the Forres Common Good, to support the project.

The approval, required under Section 75(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, allows:

• Temporary use of a section of the park for site setup, including a contractor compound and construction vehicle parking
• Permanent use of land next to Sanquhar Road to create a bus drop‑off area, supporting safe pupil transport once the new academy opens

The decision follows a statutory consultation held between September and November 2024, during which local feedback helped shape the council’s final submission.

Cllr Robertson welcomed the ruling, acknowledging strong local views about the use of Roysvale Park but stressing the council’s responsibility to provide modern, safe facilities for young people.

Mobilisation works will begin in the coming weeks, with the new Forres Academy scheduled to be operational by Autumn 2028. The existing school will then be demolished as part of the wider redevelopment of the site.