CONSTRUCTION work is getting under way on a new state-of-the-art sheltered housing complex in Saltcoats.

A special ground-breaking ceremony signalled the beginning of the £6.48million project to create 36 new homes for older people, scheduled to open in summer 2018.

Provost Ian Clarkson and Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place at North Ayrshire Council marked the beginning of the construction phase of the new development at the site of the former Canal Court and David White Centre, which have been demolished to make way for the 21st century complex.

The new Canal Court development has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the older population in North Ayrshire.

Residents within the centre will benefit from a communal lounge, secure landscaped courtyard, and a visiting services room and scooter store. And it will also include a community hub, developed in partnership with North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership, which will offer a range of clubs, classes and activities not only for residents but for the wider older population.

Councillor Montgomerie said: “This new sheltered housing complex at Canal Court will deliver that by being fully accessible and easily adaptable to cater for the varying needs of our older population.These developments can transform the way the residents are supported.”

Former Canal Court residents were decanted to suitable accommodation to allow the demolition of the buildings. Following the ground-breaking ceremony, construction work can now begin on the new sheltered housing development, which will be undertaken by hub South West.

HubSW have previously been partners in delivering successful projects such as Arran’s Montrose House, the new Garnock Community Campus and North Ayrshire’s Professional Learning Academy.

Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of hub South West, said: “We are delighted to be working with North Ayrshire Council and Ashleigh Construction Ltd to deliver these fantastic new residences.”