Groundbreaking proposals for a care home and nursery on the same site have taken a significant step forward with the submission of a formal planning application.
Fife Council aims to bridge the generation gap by allowing older people and young children to mix regularly with the opening of the 36-bed residential home and 39-place nursery in Methil next year.
The £10.6 million proposal also includes 35 extra-care bungalows for those who want to live independently but make use of the home’s facilities.
Thought to be the first local authority project of its type in Scotland, and possibly the UK, the care village will be built on the site of the former Kirkland High School, which was demolished in 2016.
Artists’ impressions submitted with the application show a modern, two-storey care home and nursery in one building at one end of the site facing four streets of bungalows of similar design.
While the care home and early years centre would have separate entrances, they would be joined through a shared space containing a café, activity room and meeting and conference rooms.
The entire development would face onto a shared village green for the use of residents.
It is hoped the approach will help nurture and develop contact between young and older people.
Labour councillor David Graham, the council’s health and social care spokesman, said the proposal was a fantastic example of services working together to invest in the community.
“The planning application submission is only the first part of the development process and is quite a significant step forward for us in taking forward this groundbreaking development,” he added.
“The health and social care partnership will continue to speak to residents in the surrounding area, giving updates as the proposal progresses.”
A similar-multi-generational concept was opened by a charity in London in 2017, but Fife Council is believed to be the first local authority in the country to introduce combined nursery and care home facilities.
It is anticipated the elderly residents and pre-school youngsters will take part in pastimes together, including singing, storytelling and physical activities.
It has been emphasised, however, that members of each generation will be able to choose whether to mix.
Trials of the approach elsewhere found care home residents had improved moods, mobility and memory after spending six weeks with children.
Youngsters also benefited by playing and learning alongside older people.
