Moray Council reaches contract milestone for new Forres Academy project
Moray Council and Hub North Scotland have today (28 May 2026) reached a contract milestone in the new Forres Academy project. Finance has been secured and the contract signed, with Hub North Scotland and Balfour Beatty as the main contractor for the £88.6 million development.
The new school campus will provide modern learning facilities for up to 1,120 pupils, including 40 enhanced additional support needs spaces, alongside a new 3G sports pitch and improved outdoor spaces.
The project is being delivered by Hub North Scotland in partnership with Moray Council and is supported through the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme Phase 3.
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.”
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.
“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.”
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 next stage of the project will see mobilisation works begin on site between 1 June and 22 June 2026, helping prepare the site ahead of the main construction phase.
Full information, including details of the planned mobilisation works, is available on Moray Engage, with a printed copy also available to view at Forres Community Centre.