Green light for new Forres Academy

The development will see a modern, three-storey building capable of accommodating 1,120 pupils.   

The design incorporates state-of-the-art educational facilities, including additional support needs teaching spaces, community facilities, extensive sports provision, a 3G synthetic pitch and enhanced landscaping.  

In addition to serving pupils, the facilities will be accessible to the public outside school hours, offering sports, fitness and community activities.

A range of supporting infrastructure will accompany the development, including pedestrian and cycle paths, vehicular access and bus lay-by, car parking with EV charging points and flood mitigation measures.  

The existing Forres Academy building will be demolished only after the new school is operational, with the main car park for the new school and a 3G pitch being built in its place. 

Cllr David Gordon, chair of Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “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.”