The prospect of a new north-east super school is back on the council agenda for Peterhead.
The community campus would include a secondary school, primary schools and leisure facilities.
It would cost around £71million to build and councillors will be asked to allow officers to begin a business case for the project.
A location for the community is said to “still be under discussion.”
Officials could be instructed to look at a number of issues like overall cost and timing of expenditure.
The study would also look at sources of funding and a report going in front of the local authority next week said options were already being considered.
It said: “The assumption at present is that the academy will be funded from borrowing but discussions will be held with the Scottish Futures Trust to determine the funding options that are available.”
Discussions on a potential super school were held last year and now Peterhead’s councillors have welcomed moves to restart the project.
Conservative councillor Dianne Beagrie said: “I am delighted that with the support and backing of all my administration colleagues our election promises can now become a reality.
“As soon as I was elected last May, I petitioned, encouraged and lobbied anyone who would listen to come to Peterhead and see what investment was needed for the town.
Councillor Alan Fakley said: “It’s been eight months hard work to get this funding allocated but it’s great that planning for this project can now start.
“We have worked well as a team and continual contact and discussion with my fellow administration councillors has won the support we needed.
“We will be continuing to push for the completion of this work at the earliest opportunity and will ensure that everyone in the town is kept up to date on progress.”
Councillor Iain Sutherland added: “This investment on top of the harbour development, ALDI, the forthcoming Drummer’s Corner revamp will certainly change Peterhead for the better.”
Councillor Stephen Smith said: “I was delighted that one of the first things the SNP group pushed for when we went into administration in 2015 was a commitment to a replacement academy for Peterhead, which is desperately needed, and I’m pleased this commitment has been continued.
Last year councillors said they need more public feedback before deciding where the super school was built.
Two potential sites on Queen Street and another near Kinmundy were being considered but no final decision was made.