Moray Council launches Roysvale Park Common Good Consultation

The Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee agreed on 22 May 2024 to the recommendation that the Applegrove/ Roysvale site be the preferred development option for the future Forres Academy new build.

Section 104 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires the Council to consult local communities prior to taking a decision on the disposal or change of the use of Common Good assets.

The main aim of the consultation is to gather the views of the community on the proposals, to inform the decision-making process.

Moray Council proposes to temporarily use part of the Roysvale Park for construction purposes, which will last approximately 32 months, before being restored to its original condition.

Additionally, a 12-metre strip will be allocated for a new bus drop-off area, incorporating a shared footway and cycleway while retaining or replacing all of the well-established trees.

To further improve accessibility and conditions, new footpaths and drainage systems will be installed throughout the park.

Throughout the construction phase, a substantial area of Roysvale Park will be available for use by the public and schools, including the pitch, as the use of the common good land is minimised as far as possible.

Local residents in Forres are encouraged to take part in the consultation by sharing their thoughts before Tuesday 12 November. Questions and a template for responses can be found here.

A public information drop-in session will be held at Forres Academy on Monday 21 October from 4pm – 7pm.

Comments on the proposal can be made by either emailing learningestate@moray.gov.uk or posting in writing to FAO Learning Estate Team – Roysvale Park Common Good, Room 209, Moray Council Office, High Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1BX.

A report on the consultation will be submitted to the Corporate Committee for a decision to be made on the proposals.

Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Children’s Services and Leisure Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that the development of the new Forres Academy is carried out in a way that considers the needs and views of the entire community.

“I encourage everyone to share their views, as your input will help us balance the needs of the school with preserving valuable community spaces for future generations.”

Full consultation information is available on Moray Council’s website.

Media interested in attending the drop-in session should contact pr@moray.gov.uk to make arrangements.