Retirement housing renovation underway in Wishaw

The retirement housing complex on Drummond Drive will benefit from refurbishment works embracing dementia friendly design principles, including the introduction of wayfinding signage, helping to enhance independent living and creating a welcoming and homely setting.

From newly refurbished communal lounges which offer a warm and welcoming setting and a new on-site hairdressing facility to parking for mobility scooters and new quiet rooms offering a place for reflection and rest, these changes will improve the lives of residents.

The introduction of energy efficient lighting and new internal and external handrails also add to the accommodation’s safety features.

Outdoor improvements planned include level access for all, which maintains independence, physical and mental health wellbeing and adding raised planters to encourage outdoor activities.

A sod cutting event took place marking the refurbishment works and was attended by North Lanarkshire Council housing convener, Councillor Michael McPake, council housing and design staff, external design team, together with staff from Clark Contracts.

Councillor McPake said: “This is an exciting refurbishment project that puts residents at the centre of ambitious plans to create a welcoming, safe, homely and warm environment. Residents played a key role in shaping the project plans and told us how important community life and inclusion is to them.

“That’s why we’re enhancing the sense of community by refurbishing communal lounges and providing space for new quiet rooms. It’s also pleasing to note that the new furniture is being delivered locally by NL Industries.

“I’m looking forward to watching the project progress and delivering a fantastic environment that will make a real difference to the lives of residents, staff and visitors alike.”

The £1.5 million project is being delivered by Clark Contracts and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

Gerry Cummins, director at Clark Contracts, added: “We are pleased to be undertaking the project at Phyllis Jane Court on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council and look forward to seeing residents and visitors benefit from the enhanced facilities for many years to come.”