Robin Livingstone of Fraser/Livingstone Architects is leading the team after the practice was appointed to the project last month.

Part of Moray’s £7.5 million Growth Deal, the project is funded by Moray Council and the Scottish Government and will see accessible, affordable, and smart homes built across Elgin, Speyside and the Buckie coastal area.

The project is a partnership between Moray Council, Altyre Estate, Grampian Housing Association and the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre, with a vision to deliver a new net-zero, sustainable community with multi-functional outdoor space to encourage physical activity and food growing.

The masterplan work will include site phasing, infrastructure and landscape design for amenity facilities, green space and public realm across the 18-hectare site.

Shirley Thomson, partner at Hardies, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to this exciting project that will see more affordable homes being built in an area with significant demand for housing to support the local economy.

“In addition to acting as cost consultant and principal designer for the Masterplan, we will assume the role of employer’s agent for the affordable housing as the development progresses into the construction phase.”

Councillor Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, added: “The Dallas Dhu phase of the housing mix project presents a unique opportunity to create a sustainable new community for the people of Forres that will lead our transition to net zero through the provision of smart homes based on citizen wellbeing. I look forward to seeing the innovative designs come to life.”

The Scottish Government is investing £5m while Moray Council complete the total with £2.5m.