Moray Council launches consultation on use of Roysvale Park in connection with new Forres Academy

The council has launched a common good consultation, proposing to use part of Roysvale Park in connection with the new Forres Academy.

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.

Earlier this year Moray councillors recommended that the site for the new secondary school in Forres should be Roysvale and Applegrove playing fields.

The selection of the new site was discussed at the the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee on May 14.

On May 22 councillors agreed to progress with the Roysvale/Applegrove playing fields as the preferred site of the new Forres Academy.

It was one of two options, the other being Lochyhill off the A96 between Forbeshill and Forres Enterprise Park.

At the time councillor Scott Lawrence (SNP, Forres) said that the site’s central location, accessibility, lack of transport complications and its potential to be used by other members of the community made it the better option.

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.

On Wednesday, September 18, Moray Council proposed 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, November 12.

A public information drop-in session will be held at Forres Academy on Monday, October 21, 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.

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 here.