A disability support charity has gained local feedback on its bold £25 million plan to build the “UK’s best enabling and inclusive accommodation” on the outskirts of Perth.
Capability Scotland has built one sample full-sized model of 60 apartments, planned for the new Bertha Park facility, within the theatre of its existing Upper Springland site to give people a taste of life at the proposed accommodation.
Since February more than 600 items of feedback have been contributed, with respondents including disabled people who use its services, families and carers, staff and guests including leading figures from both health and Perth and Kinross Council’s healthcare profession.
Capability Scotland, the charity behind the plans, also worked in partnership with Bertha Park High School and local primary schools in the catchment area on a design for the new campus.
The care company’s current residents and their families have also had input including designs for the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Capability Scotland is in the process of finalising the procurement of the land with Springfield, the developers of Bertha Park.
The building would be located next door to the high school and would house 60 flats for adults with complex needs and a community centre.
The project team estimate the new facility will be open in 2025 at the earliest with planning permission yet to be submitted.
The Upper Springland campus on Isla Road will see its 200 staff and 59 residents move to the new apartments when completed.
The current site has four registered services and offers residential and respite care to 59 adults with physical and learning disabilities.
There is also a day service as well as a hydrotherapy pool, accessible gym, theatre and walled gardens.
Despite the high quality of care the site is now more than 40 years old and becoming more difficult to maintain.
Concerns are also prevalent of an increased flood risk from the River Tay – hence the charity’s desire for a new state-of-the-art flagship service.
It is not yet known what will happen to the Isla Road building.
Jennifer Dalrymple, co-production lead with Capability Scotland, said: “The mock up has been a huge success.
“Traditionally, developments of this scale and ambition would have been presented to staff and residents as a finished product.
“We want to build the UK’s best enabling and inclusive accommodation for people with severe and complex needs at the heart of the Bertha Park village community.
“By engaging so intensively in co-production we hope to understand how even the smallest detail can impact the experience of residents and staff.
“Enabling them to physically experience an example of their new apartment provides us with incredible insight.
“Done right, this means we get the design as close to perfect at the first time of asking rather than frustrating flaws emerging from the outset – and we can achieve our lofty ambitions.”
Common items addressed include wheelchair storage and access, bathroom space, layout and the types of doors used.
Jennifer added: “The next stage of partnership working will include a number of focus groups to discuss a range of topics including how technology can empower people, outdoor space, service delivery, catering and transport to determine what people want life at Bertha Park to be like.
“This will be a vital piece of work to capture the knowledge and experience of everyone which will strengthen the project hugely.”
Senior staff from Capability Scotland’s project board have been visiting other services that have gone through a similar process.
Stephen Oswald, Capability Scotland’s project lead, said: “We would encourage anyone who hasn’t shared their feedback – and has a clear interest in the project – to get in touch.”
For more information go to www.capability.scot/about/bertha-park
