To be built on the site of the previous Gables Care Home, the new facility will replace the existing residential care home currently located on this site and provide new accommodation for all current residents.

The project is designed to better meet the needs of residents and move away from a traditional residential care environment to more personalised models of housing and support. It will provide opportunities for residents to lead independent lives within the local community, as well as providing greater choice and control and maximising the financial resources available to them.

The need to replace the current Gables Care Home was recommended as a priority by the Care Inspectorate due to the age and standard of existing accommodation, which was built in 1977.

The development will include eleven one-bed flats, one two-bed house and office/communal space in phase one and eight one to two-bed mainstream affordable homes in phase two.

Transfer of ownership of land to Caledonian House Association will allow the organisation to apply for funding from the Scottish Government to take the project forward. 

A person-centred assessment identifying needs, friendships and community connections has informed future requirements. The care and support for the replacement of the Gables will be provided from the existing Gables care staff, ensuring continuity.

George Bowie, head of community health and care services in the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Both staff and residents at The Gables are an intrinsic part of this project’s success and are consistently consulted on and updated about progress.

“A community engagement event was held in July 2019 to further raise awareness of the project and provide local residents with the opportunity to discuss the development.

“Staff have been involved in the development of the initial design plans and their feedback has helped to make small adjustments in the design according to residents’ needs, with the plans being available at the care home for residents and staff to see. The response from all concerned has been very positive and enthusiastic.”

Caledonia Housing Association development director, Andrew Kilpatrick, added: “This development will enable people with learning difficulties to live more independently and we are delighted to be involved.

“We hope to be on-site in early summer and envisage a 12-month build programme to complete phase one. The accommodation will be built sustainably to Caledonia’s very high energy-efficiency standards. It will also feature an enclosed sensory garden to provide a safe and peaceful environment for residents.”