Plans to create a new development for older people in Bearsden have moved closer with the start of construction of a new housing development that will provide affordable homes to inspire independent living.

Bield, one of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and care for older people, has teamed up with Lovell Partnerships Ltd to build the development after identifying a need for suitable housing for older people in the Bearsden area.

The project will create 20 shared ownership properties at the site St Andrews View, Bearsden, an affordable home ownership model that offers the chance for older people to purchase high quality houses designed with their needs in mind.

The homes will be marketed to anyone aged 60+ for use as their primary residence. Purchasers will be able to buy a 75% share of the property with the remainder being retained by Bield.

The model also gives sharing owners the opportunity to buy the remaining 25% share after one year.

Stuart Dow, director of asset management at Bield, said: “This new project will create much needed properties in the Bearsden area of East Dunbartonshire to help older people stay independent for as long as possible.

“At Bield we specialise in providing affordable homes for older people, particularly through innovative solutions, which is why we have used this shared ownership model.

“It means shared owners have the right to do what they want with their property as soon as they move in as well as benefit from thoughtful design. This includes lift access to every floor and accessible shower rooms making it easier for tenants to live independently for longer.

“With an ever-increasing ageing population, we’ve recognised the need for more properties like this and look forward to a positive response from prospective buyers.”

Bield’s Vice Chairs Jim Jarvie & Ingrid Dueling were  on hand during a sod cutting ceremony (Wed 9 April) to announce the start of building the development with the aim to have the homes completed by summer 2015.

The project, which includes eight one bedroom units and 12 two bedroom units, is part of a larger mixed development that includes a new care home by BUPA and a range of private houses being built by Miller Homes as well as some social rented housing being developed through a design & build partnership between Bield and Miller Homes.

Each property benefits from lift access, private terraces or balconies, accessible showering facilities and has the option to connect to BR24, Bield’s community alarm service.

The project itself will also generate local employment opportunities via the main contractor Lovell Partnerships Ltd.

Lovell regional director Alan Taylor says: “This is a scheme which will deliver high-quality apartments built to a high standard and designed to meet the needs of older residents. We are proud to be working with Bield to help deliver it and delighted that construction work has now got under way.”

Brian Logan, Chief Executive at Bield, added: “We have focused on the importance of creating properties which respond to the needs of older people.

“It’s central to our “Free to Be” vision that we don’t just provide a home and care but also help older people live independently for longer.

“Designing homes with this in mind allows us to ensure an affordable housing system is in place that allows tenants to feel secure in the knowledge that they can live independently long into the future.”

For more information on the new development and to register your interest in the properties, contact Bield’s selling agents Corum on 0141 942 5888 or e-mail bearsden@corumproperty.co.uk.