Significant changes could be made to ambitious plans for a multi-million-pound “urban care community” on the banks of the River Tay.
A proposal of application notice has been submitted by Balhousie Care Group for the former Tayside Nursing Home on Perth’s Isla Road.
The firm had been given approval this year to build two 60-bed buildings, a training and administration centre, assisted living units and three mainstream houses. It now intends to alter these plans, however, in a bid to “enhance the mix of care and accommodation available”.
One of the care homes will be replaced with retirement apartments that are specifically designed for pensioners.
Balhousie Care Group has formed a partnership with retirement developer McCarthy and Stone to create the alternative housing.
These will include a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as shared facilities, landscaping, guest accommodation and 24-hour security.
Property director of Balhousie Care Group Scott Whittet said: “This amended proposal will significantly increase the range of care and housing options available for older people in Perth.
“Despite the current financial climate, we still plan to develop a 60-bed care home and 11 assisted living apartments at this site and McCarthy and Stone’s development will complement these plans.”
Over the next two months both firms will hold a series of consultation meetings and a public exhibition on the proposals.
Steve Wiseman, managing director of McCarthy and Stone, said: “Our Later Living developments offer the independence of retaining home ownership while living in an apartment specifically designed for later life.
“While this is an amendment to a previously-approved planning application, we’re committed to engaging with the local community.
“In the coming months, we will be contacting local community members, including local councillors, MSPs and the community council, as well as residents, to let people from across the local area see our plans and give us their feedback.”
It is hoped that, if these latest plans are approved, around 150 jobs could be created in Perth, as well as rejuvenating a site that has long been an eyesore.
Over the last few days, contractors have been taking steps to demolish the existing building, which is known to many residents as the offices of the insurance company General Accident, before being converted into the Tayside Nursing Home in 1997.
The home closed at the end of 2009 following a negative Care Commission report.