A STATE-OF-THE-ART housing development – which is expected to have a major positive impact on the lives of older people - has been officially opened.

The £4.8 million development at Montgomery Court, Kilbirnie, has been designed to specifically meet the needs of the older population in North Ayrshire.

Featuring 16 one-bedroom homes within a new Sheltered Housing Complex and an additional eight two-bedroom amenity bungalows, the development illustrates North Ayrshire Council’s commitment to provide high quality, affordable accommodation that meets current and future requirements.

Provost Ian Clarkson officially opened the Montgomery Court sheltered housing complex in a special celebration on Friday, January 20 in front of invited guests and some of the new residents.

Depute Leader of North Ayrshire Council John Bell said: “We are committed to providing homes that are suitable for the long-term needs of local residents. These homes are all fully accessible and easily adaptable to cater for the varying needs of the older population.

“This is an exciting new housing development that will be a real asset to the residents of North Ayrshire, particularly our older population who will benefit from a bespoke design which will make a huge difference to their health and wellbeing.

“We are delighted to be progressing our extensive new build programme and hope that this continues to provide us with the opportunity to change lives for the better.

The entire development has been designed using dementia-friendly design principles, such as clear signage and contrasting colours.

Independent living is further supported throughout the development with level access, wet floor shower rooms, pull down and pull-out kitchen units, accessible sockets and switches and the provision for future ceiling hoists to be installed.