The architects were appointed by Capability Scotland, as project lead, initially to consider potential development opportunities at its existing care facility at Upper Springland in 2018 but when this was not viable, they were instrumental in searching for a new location.

The new site at Bertha Park village, just four miles from its current location to ensure local community ties can remain, was selected from a number of sites identified by Capability Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council.

The new site gives the new facility the opportunity to be even more integrated within the community and create a more inclusive neighbourhood environment. The AB+C team have spent the last two years in co-production working closely with the Capability Scotland community honing the needs and wants of the people OICP will support.

Capability Scotland along with AB+C and other key partners will launch the vision for Our Inclusive Community Project at an event on 29th June, sharing the progress made to date and unveiling the masterplan for the exciting new facility.

Caroline Dearden, director at Anderson Bell + Christie, has been an instrumental part of the co-production team and, along with her team, has driven the architectural vision for the new facility to this point.

She commented: “Our Inclusive Community Project (OICP) has been an incredible project to work on, and from an architectural perspective, has been all encompassing. Co-production has been embedded in our work from the beginning and pivotal in Capability Scotland’s approach to this project.

“We have embraced this vitally important methodology, by undertaking extensive research, on the ground observations and conversations which helped us create a user-led, evidence-based brief – this really helped to inform pivotal decisions about the new service model and project brief that will drive and shape the final design/building.

“Earlier this year, we started the concept designs and we are really proud of what we have created so far, designing a universally accessible home, with exemplar care facilities and destinations that nurture the important relationships between residents and staff. The coproduction has meant it is completely tailored to people of all different age groups and needs that Capability Scotland support and their dedicated staff.

“As architectural lead, it was absolutely vital that we took an innovative design approach to support and listen to the client’s needs to develop bespoke and sensitive design strategies and proposals.

“We had to bring the brief to life by spending a lot of time with the people living and working at the current facility and really understanding the complexities of what was needed. What we will deliver with the new facility, as a result of these last few years of work, will hugely benefit a wide range of people in the future in a homely and welcoming way.

“This project has a unique opportunity to challenge and help break down barriers in how care provision is approached and to develop a national residential resource to serve Scotland and beyond.”

Anderson Bell + Christie is finalising the site strategy and concept design ahead of the launch. The project aims to promote a holistic approach to health and wellbeing for its customers and staff.

The masterplan includes a 60-studio care facility including a respite service which are interlinked with flexible communal areas and greenspaces. There are also four transitional flats for residents who can live independently or who may eventually move into a flat with assisted living.

The plans also include a staff hub which provides training facilities to develop exemplar care.

The OICP Bertha Park facility would also include a community hub which will house Capability Scotland’s Perth day service facilities and space for use by the community in line with the vision to create a resource which is fully integrated into Bertha Park village life.

Brian Logan, chief executive at Capability Scotland, added: “We’re delighted to be working with AB+C as lead designers on this ground-breaking project.

“Co-design is central to our vision of creating exemplar facilities for people with diverse and complex needs, and this has shone through in the work completed so far.

“We greatly value the meticulous care that has gone into the designs for the new facility at Bertha Park, and we’re thrilled to continue our relationship with them.”