Plans for an Assisted Living care development for older people, a first of its kind for Ayrshire, are being proposed to redevelop the former Malcolm Sargent House site in Prestwick.
Leading retirement builder, McCarthy & Stone, have been selected by owners CLIC Sargent to redevelop the site and continue the area’s investment in providing valuable care, after the charity closed the holiday home last year.
The proposed development will provide much needed housing locally for homeowners aged over 70, including the frail elderly, with additional care and support needs. Run in partnership with Somerset Care, Assisted Living offers older homeowners independent living with access to tailored packages of care and support, as and when they need it.
The development proposal includes a mix of over 60 one and two bedroom apartments with access to a range of shared living spaces in a safe and secure environment including a lounge, serviced restaurant, guest suite for visitors and attractive landscaped gardens. It is overseen by a House Manager and 24 hour care staff.
If given planning permission, it will create up to 80 construction jobs and 20 jobs within the development across a range of care and domestic positions. Assisted Living has also been proven to relieve pressure on local health services, reducing visits and time spent in hospital and delaying or preventing a move into full-time nursing care.
McCarthy & Stone has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to South Ayrshire Council and will consult the local community about its plans over the next few months. The proposal will be designed to reflect the character of the surrounding area and artist impressions and plans will be displayed at a public exhibition to be announced.
Russ Stewart, Development Director of McCarthy & Stone in Scotland said: “We are pleased to be consulting on bringing Assisted Living to Prestwick. Suitable sites for this type of development are in short supply, so it is a good opportunity to reinvest in the local area and benefit the community.”
“We know that Malcolm Sargent House has a special place in the hearts of local people and the families it has supported, so we’re keen to ensure the plans are sensitively designed and pleased that the site will continue to provide care for people in need.”
Kate Lee, Chief Executive of CLIC Sargent, said: “After making the difficult decision to close CLIC Sargent’s holiday programme, we are pleased that McCarthy & Stone will be continuing the caring tradition of the site, meeting a real need in the area and providing local employment.
“We are hugely grateful to our staff, volunteers and supporters for their many years of support of the holiday service. Now it is time for the charity to look to the future and its pledge to one day be able to offer its vital support services to every young life struck by cancer across Scotland and the UK.”
Prestwick will be McCarthy & Stone’s fourth Assisted Living development in Scotland. Similar developments are situated at Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.