A high-end 60-bed care home is in the works, to be located near an Ayrshire golf course, and it’s anticipated to be cleared for construction next week.
The elaborate design includes features such as a residents’ café, private dining, a cinema, and even a cocktail lounge.
The plans were first laid out by the privately-owned Northcare Scotland Ltd, a company based in East Kilbride. This marks a major £10m capital investment in the region.
The company has identified a parcel of land adjacent to the Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club in Prestwick for their ambitious project. The land on East Road, previously used as the club’s practice area, is now available for development.
This development holds the potential to become Ayrshire’s latest eldercare facility, supporting a large number of elderly residents.
The proposal will be debated by members of the South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel (Planning) at a meeting slated for Thursday, May 9.
Despite more than 10 written objections and an additional objection from the Prestwick Community Council, the councillors are expected to approve the proposed development.
Estimates suggest that, if approved, the care home will generate 65-70 jobs “across all departments.” The development costs would bring about an investment of approximately £2.3m for the South Ayrshire economy and a “capital investment” of nearly £10 million in the local area.
The agents working on the proposal are the UNUM Partnership based in Glasgow. Cundall, a design solutions firm, is also backing the application.
The UNUM Partnership shared in their design statement: “The proposed development will provide much-needed accommodation for the growing elderly population, granting them dignity and independence with expert support available.
“The site at East Road presents an excellent opportunity for development within this established residential neighbourhood in south Prestwick. It affords excellent connectivity to public transport and local amenities.”
The initial design plans for the care home were submitted in January of the previous year, which included plans for 23 assisted living flats. However, an “adjusted” pre-application was submitted for the 60-bed care home in June of the same year.
Complying with the Care Inspectorate guidance, the proposal will encompass several ensuite bedroom ‘independent living wings’ over the two main residential floors.
The updated plan includes: a 60 bed (ensuite) care home development along with landscaping, access and associated works, residents and visitors café, private dining room, residents cinema, cocktail lounge, external seating terraces, car park, and landscaping.
Cundall stated in their planning documentation: “The development of the site for the 60-bed care home represents an investment of approximately £2.3m for the South Ayrshire economy. The development will create approximately 65 local full and part-time jobs in various positions across multiple disciplines.
As stated in council documents: “The proposals involve the construction of a purpose-built 60-bedroom residential care home with associated parking, access formation, and landscaping. This land was formerly associated with Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club.
“There don’t appear to be any concerns over the physical proposals, providing that the appropriate conditions are met.
“Consultation feedback does not reveal any major issues, and suitable conditions can be implemented to meet the advice and requirements of consultants. For the reasons listed in this report, the proposal is considered to be a sustainable form of development, located in an appropriate and sustainable location.
“Taking into account the above assessment of the proposal and balancing the applicant’s rights against the public interest, the application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”
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