A ground-breaking ceremony signalled the beginning of the £6.48 million project to create 36 new homes for older people.

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: “One of our major priorities at North Ayrshire Council is to create homes that are suitable for the long-term needs of local residents.

“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.

“We have already demonstrated how we can deliver the type of modern sheltered housing our older people need at Vennel Gardens in Irvine and Montgomery Court in Kilbirnie, allowing them to live in an environment tailored to their needs.

“These developments can transform the way the residents are supported and enable them to stay in their homes for as long as possible, while also helping to tackle the growing problem of social isolation.”

Former Canal Court residents were decanted to suitable accommodation to allow the demolition of the buildings.

Following the ground-breaking ceremony, Ashleigh Construction can now begin work on the new sheltered housing development, which will be undertaken by hub South West Scotland.

hub South West has 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.

Chief executive Michael McBrearty said: “This type of project is so important in ensuring the best possible care and accommodation in our communities, and we are delighted to be working with North Ayrshire Council and Ashleigh Construction Ltd to deliver these fantastic new residences.

“We have an excellent track record in delivering education and health facilities to the authority, and look forward to improving upon this relationship in a new sector.”

The new sheltered housing complex is scheduled to open in summer 2018.