New Forres Academy Development

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New Forres Academy Construction Works

Construction works for the new Forres Academy development began on Monday 22 June 2026, following the completion of the mobilisation works.

Information about the planned construction works, timings, traffic management and access arrangements is provided below.

New Bus Layby Entrance Works – Burdsyard Road

Works to construct the new bus layby entrance off Burdsyard road will begin during the week commencing 17 August, subject to completion of the Roysvale Park footpath, and are expected to last for approximately six weeks.

These works will include:

  • Construction of the new bus layby entrance.
  • Tree removal.
  • Installation of site hoardings and gates to create the long-term site compound entrance.

Site drawing showing temporary closure to install New School Bus Lane

You can view an enlarged image showing the planned new bus lane works here.

Pedestrian Route Changes

The new footpath on the west side of Roysvale Park (shown in blue on the map) is now complete and provides an accessible connection between Burdsyard Road and the existing core path adjacent to Applegrove Primary School.

During these works, pedestrians will be diverted via the new footpath and the existing footpath along the northern edge of Roysvale Park.

Balfour Beatty will install signage before the works begin, including details of the path closure, diversion route and key dates.

Once the works commence, the existing footpath and cycleway adjacent to Sanquhar Road (Red Section) will be closed and fenced off to allow construction activities and the establishment of the contractor's compound.

This route is expected to remain closed until completion of Phase 1 of the new Forres Academy development, currently anticipated in Autumn 2028, when it will reopen for public use.

Vibro Stone Column Works

Vibro Stone Column Ground Improvement Works on new Forres Academy site will start on 10 August and are expected to last for approximately three weeks.


Site drawing showing vibro stone column installation area


You can view an enlarged image showing the planned vibro-compaction works here.

The yellow highlighted area on the plan shows the working zone where the vibro stone column installation will take place. All works will only take place within this highlighted area, which is located within the footprint of the new school building.


These works will be carried out using a large tracked rig that installs dry stone aggregate into the ground using vibration. During the installation period, some ground-borne vibration may be noticeable at nearby properties.


Before these works begin, Balfour Beatty will excavate a vibration reduction separation trench in the area next to the Veterans Cottages, extending to the new site entrance off Orchard Road. This work will start on Monday 03 August and is expected to take approximately three days.


This ground improvement method has been chosen because it produces less noise and vibration than other available methods.


Below is a link to a video illustrating similar works for reference.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71HHXtVzI88


Moray Council and Balfour Beatty will be closely monitoring noise, dust and vibration emissions throughout these works to ensure the approved planning limits are not exceeded.

Drainage Works – Albert Street, Castle Street and Orchard Road

As part of the new Forres Academy development, a new surface water drain will be installed along sections of Albert Street, Castle Street and Orchard Road, between the new Forres Academy site and the Mosset Burn.

These works are scheduled to begin on Monday 22 June 2026 and are expected to continue for approximately 10 weeks, subject to weather conditions and operational requirements.

During this time, traffic management measures will be in place. These will include temporary traffic lights, road closures and clearly signed diversion routes.

These works will be carried out in phases to help minimise disruption where possible and keep residents, pedestrians and road users safe.

Site drawing showing planned drainage works

You can view an enlarged image showing the planned drainage works here.

Phase 1 – Blue Section

  • During Phase 1, a section of the footpath on the north side of Orchard Road will be temporarily closed.
  • Pedestrians will be directed by signs to use the footpath on the south side of the road.
  • A road closure will also be in place on sections of Burdshaugh Road and Strathcona Road, with diversion signs provided.
  • Temporary traffic lights will be in operation along this section of road.

Phase 2 – Pink Section

  • During Phase 2, temporary traffic lights will be in operation. This will mean that no vehicle parking will be permitted on either side of the road between the junction of Castle Street to Albert Street and the T junction of Castle Street to Orchard Road during the works period.
  • In addition, off street vehicle access to some properties will be restricted during the works period however Balfour Beatty will liaise with these property owners directly in respect of more specific timings.

Phase 3 – Red Section

  • During Phase 3, a road closure will be in place in two stages along Albert Street.
  • The first closure will run from the junction of Castle Street and Albert Street to Cicely Place.
  • The second closure will continue from Cicely Place along Albert Street.
  • During these stages, access to individual driveways will be restricted while the works are taking place.
  • Access to Cicely Place will be maintained throughout this period, although there may be some minor delays while plant is moved to allow access.

A printed copy, including full details and drawings of the planned mobilisation and construction works, is available for viewing at Forres Community Centre.

The safety of pupils, staff, residents and the wider community remain the priority throughout these works. Construction areas will be securely fenced at all times, with clear separation maintained between school operations and site activities.

Balfour Beatty and Moray Council are working closely to minimise disruption to residents and the wider community during this period. Should any issues or concerns arise during the works, residents can contact the Balfour Beatty team directly at ForresAcademyBB@balfourbeatty.com and a member of the project team will aim to assist where possible.

Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

New Forres Academy Construction Works

Construction works for the new Forres Academy development began on Monday 22 June 2026, following the completion of the mobilisation works.

Information about the planned construction works, timings, traffic management and access arrangements is provided below.

New Bus Layby Entrance Works – Burdsyard Road

Works to construct the new bus layby entrance off Burdsyard road will begin during the week commencing 17 August, subject to completion of the Roysvale Park footpath, and are expected to last for approximately six weeks.

These works will include:

  • Construction of the new bus layby entrance.
  • Tree removal.
  • Installation of site hoardings and gates to create the long-term site compound entrance.

Site drawing showing temporary closure to install New School Bus Lane

You can view an enlarged image showing the planned new bus lane works here.

Pedestrian Route Changes

The new footpath on the west side of Roysvale Park (shown in blue on the map) is now complete and provides an accessible connection between Burdsyard Road and the existing core path adjacent to Applegrove Primary School.

During these works, pedestrians will be diverted via the new footpath and the existing footpath along the northern edge of Roysvale Park.

Balfour Beatty will install signage before the works begin, including details of the path closure, diversion route and key dates.

Once the works commence, the existing footpath and cycleway adjacent to Sanquhar Road (Red Section) will be closed and fenced off to allow construction activities and the establishment of the contractor's compound.

This route is expected to remain closed until completion of Phase 1 of the new Forres Academy development, currently anticipated in Autumn 2028, when it will reopen for public use.

Vibro Stone Column Works

Vibro Stone Column Ground Improvement Works on new Forres Academy site will start on 10 August and are expected to last for approximately three weeks.


Site drawing showing vibro stone column installation area


You can view an enlarged image showing the planned vibro-compaction works here.

The yellow highlighted area on the plan shows the working zone where the vibro stone column installation will take place. All works will only take place within this highlighted area, which is located within the footprint of the new school building.


These works will be carried out using a large tracked rig that installs dry stone aggregate into the ground using vibration. During the installation period, some ground-borne vibration may be noticeable at nearby properties.


Before these works begin, Balfour Beatty will excavate a vibration reduction separation trench in the area next to the Veterans Cottages, extending to the new site entrance off Orchard Road. This work will start on Monday 03 August and is expected to take approximately three days.


This ground improvement method has been chosen because it produces less noise and vibration than other available methods.


Below is a link to a video illustrating similar works for reference.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71HHXtVzI88


Moray Council and Balfour Beatty will be closely monitoring noise, dust and vibration emissions throughout these works to ensure the approved planning limits are not exceeded.

Drainage Works – Albert Street, Castle Street and Orchard Road

As part of the new Forres Academy development, a new surface water drain will be installed along sections of Albert Street, Castle Street and Orchard Road, between the new Forres Academy site and the Mosset Burn.

These works are scheduled to begin on Monday 22 June 2026 and are expected to continue for approximately 10 weeks, subject to weather conditions and operational requirements.

During this time, traffic management measures will be in place. These will include temporary traffic lights, road closures and clearly signed diversion routes.

These works will be carried out in phases to help minimise disruption where possible and keep residents, pedestrians and road users safe.

Site drawing showing planned drainage works

You can view an enlarged image showing the planned drainage works here.

Phase 1 – Blue Section

  • During Phase 1, a section of the footpath on the north side of Orchard Road will be temporarily closed.
  • Pedestrians will be directed by signs to use the footpath on the south side of the road.
  • A road closure will also be in place on sections of Burdshaugh Road and Strathcona Road, with diversion signs provided.
  • Temporary traffic lights will be in operation along this section of road.

Phase 2 – Pink Section

  • During Phase 2, temporary traffic lights will be in operation. This will mean that no vehicle parking will be permitted on either side of the road between the junction of Castle Street to Albert Street and the T junction of Castle Street to Orchard Road during the works period.
  • In addition, off street vehicle access to some properties will be restricted during the works period however Balfour Beatty will liaise with these property owners directly in respect of more specific timings.

Phase 3 – Red Section

  • During Phase 3, a road closure will be in place in two stages along Albert Street.
  • The first closure will run from the junction of Castle Street and Albert Street to Cicely Place.
  • The second closure will continue from Cicely Place along Albert Street.
  • During these stages, access to individual driveways will be restricted while the works are taking place.
  • Access to Cicely Place will be maintained throughout this period, although there may be some minor delays while plant is moved to allow access.

A printed copy, including full details and drawings of the planned mobilisation and construction works, is available for viewing at Forres Community Centre.

The safety of pupils, staff, residents and the wider community remain the priority throughout these works. Construction areas will be securely fenced at all times, with clear separation maintained between school operations and site activities.

Balfour Beatty and Moray Council are working closely to minimise disruption to residents and the wider community during this period. Should any issues or concerns arise during the works, residents can contact the Balfour Beatty team directly at ForresAcademyBB@balfourbeatty.com and a member of the project team will aim to assist where possible.

Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

Page last updated: 19 Aug 2026, 08:18 AM