Midlothian Council has granted permission for the 54-bedroom home and a retail space that will form part of a wider development of c. 475 new homes within the Greenlaw Mains development.

A further 500 new residential dwellings are being constructed in the immediate vicinity.

The project is set to be delivered by Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco - a joint venture company between care developer Morrison Community Care and construction and manufacturing group CCG (Scotland) with works set to begin in spring 2024.

The purpose-built care home development will offer 24/7 residential, nursing and dementia care to people over the age of sixty-five and will provide en-suite rooms alongside a range of integrated amenities such as a hair salon, a champagne bar, private dining, a cinema, private gardens and a putting green.

Morrison Community Care has owned and operated care facilities in Scotland since 1989.

The business has since evolved to become a care home developer, managing the delivery process entirely from land acquisition to completion on behalf of other operators across the UK and Ireland.

They have worked exclusively with CCG in Scotland since 2017 and have two developments currently on site with a further three currently in the planning system.

Morrison Community Care managing director, Paul Sokhi, said: “Our years of operational experience have given us the expertise to develop new care homes, focusing on design, technology, and sustainability, to improve the lives of older people and make a positive contribution to local communities like Penicuik now and in the future.

“Morrison Community Care pride ourselves on delivering a product that priorities the comfort of the resident and with ever-increasing pressures on the care sector, this has never been more important.

“We thank Midlothian Council for their support and we look forward to working with CCG, our architect Holmes Miller and our design team Cowal and Design Me in delivering this much needed care home which will be ready by summer 2025.”

David Wylie, managing director of CCG (Scotland), said: “We are delighted to have our proposals accepted by Midlothian Council. There is a growing need for elderly accommodation across Scotland as a result of our ageing population and this development will help address localised demand in the region.

“CCG’s approach to the construction of care homes is unique as we are able to call upon our own, divisional capabilities to realise their delivery. Not only do we offer full construction services but we also utilise our own, offsite-manufactured timber system and high-performance windows & doors for the build as well as installing mechanical & electrical services and multi-utilities.

“This single chain of responsibility is able to guarantee quality of workmanship for our client. What’s more, our advanced build methods enable us to achieve a vastly-improved energy performance standard which means our care homes cost less to heat and stay warmer for longer, supporting both the Operator and the comfort of the resident.”

Douglas Jack, director of Holmes Miller, added: “At Penicuik we have had the opportunity to further advance the care standards, in conjunction with the Care Inspectorate, for Morrison Community Care, with additional functionality improving the operation, infection control and quality of life for the residents.

“The contemporary design brings civic presence to the building, with clipped parapet roof edges, textured brick, and the generous Morrison Care’ window sizes. Together with the local shop, the home takes its place as a neighbourhood centre within the larger residential development.”