The main contractor has been announced for construction of the area’s secondary school.
Moray Council and partners have confirmed the successful bidder for building the replacement Forres Academy by summer 2028 is Balfour Beatty.
Moray Council employees with the Balfour Beatty team.
Moray Council leader, Councillor Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative), said: “This is a significant milestone for Forres Academy and the wider Moray community.
“The new school will provide a modern, innovative learning environment that’ll benefit both current and future generations of pupils.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this project progress and am committed to making sure it delivers the best possible outcomes for our pupils, staff, and local community.”
In October 2023, Forres Academy was selected for funding as part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).
The new school will accommodate 1120 pupils, providing “a modern and dynamic setting” for education.
The project is part of the North Schools Programme, which is a partnership between five local authorities across the north of Scotland to deliver new learning estate. The collaboration aims to deliver substantial financial, economic and social impact benefits.
Chief executive of hub North Scotland, believes this is a key moment for the programme.
He said: “A huge amount of work has already been undertaken by our local authority partners and our supply chain on progressing these projects.
“This collaboration has allowed our partners to share best practice, knowledge and resources to achieve their aims and has also helped simplify key elements which will bring cost, time and quality benefits in delivering these projects.”
Managing director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, Hector MacAulay MBE, claimed the firm has “extensive experience in delivering world-class education facilities”.
He said: “As we begin pre-construction works, we look forward to working closely with Moray Council and hub North Scotland to ensure the successful delivery of this modern, sustainable, and inspiring learning environment.”