Hub North Scotland and its development partner Moray Council have reached financial close for the new Forres Academy development.
Balfour Beatty has been confirmed as the main contractor for the £88.6 million project and will be on site from Monday 1st June to begin early mobilisation works. JM Architects are leading the design team.
The new campus will cater for up to 1,120-pupils including 40 enhanced additional support needs places. The new school building is planned to be operational in autumn 2028 when the current school will be demolished to allow the construction of a 3G sports pitch and car parking.
It is being built with support through the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme Phase 3. Forres is also the second school to begin construction under hub North’s Scotland’s pioneering North Schools Programme, which has brought together five local authorities to deliver new learning estate in a single programme of work.
Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said financial close would now allow the project to concentrate on getting construction under way.
He added: “This will be a fantastic facility for Forres when it is completed. We already have an excellent track record with Balfour Beatty in delivering new schools for Moray Council at Elgin High School, Lossiemouth High School and Linkwood Primary School in Elgin.
“This Forres development will be more than just constructing a new building – there will also be a significant legacy through the training and employment opportunities it will create along with the community benefits work that will be carried out.”
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “Reaching financial close and signing the contract is a major step forward for the new Forres Academy and means we can now move ahead with the exciting construction phase.
“We know how important this project is for pupils, staff, parents and the wider Forres community, and we’re committed to keeping people informed as work progresses and doing everything we can to minimise disruption locally.
“This investment is about giving young people the modern, high-quality learning environment they deserve while creating a school the whole community can be proud of for years to come.”
Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with hub North Scotland and Moray Council with the delivery of the new Forres Academy.
“Building on our experience in delivering high-quality educational facilities across Scotland, we look forward to creating a modern, sustainable learning environment that will benefit students and the wider community for years to come.
The early mobilisation works will include securing the site ahead of the main construction, drainage preparation and setting up a temporary contractor compound. These works have been planned to minimise any temporary disruption to pupils, staff, nearby residents and road users.
The main construction works are due to begin during the schools’ summer break.