Work has officially started on West Dunbartonshire Council’s new multi-million pound Dumbarton care home and day centre.

The project is being delivered in conjunction with hub West Scotland, the council’s development partner, and the main contractor is Morgan Sindall.

Councillor Gail Casey, chair of the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership board, cut the first sod at the site of the former Crosslet House yesterday.

Once completed, the state-of-the-art care facility will provide accommodation for 84 residents and up to 50 day care centre users.

After the official sod cutting event, Councillor Casey said: “The council is committed to protecting the welfare of vulnerable people and we believe this new care home will do just that. The council is investing £22 million into building two new care homes for West Dunbartonshire which will ensure that residents throughout the area continue to receive the very best care and support in first class accommodation.

“The council has already received encouraging and constructive feedback from the Care Inspectorate about the new Dumbarton care home, and I’m sure residents will be delighted when they move into this fantastic facility.”

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener for infrastructure and regeneration, added: “It is really exciting that work has now started at the new Dumbarton care home. This new facility will play a crucial role in improving the care of the older people in our community whilst also promoting their independence. The communal courtyards which will be created will also let residents enjoy outdoor activities in a safe and accessible environment. The Crosslet House site has been unused for some time, so I’m looking forward to it being given a new lease of life.”

The former Crosslet House building has already been demolished and the site has been cleared. The new care home and day care centre is expected to be completed in early 2017.