The site includes an assisted living development and three wheelchair-accessible bungalows, which are being built for the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

The development is similar to the existing award-winning facilities within Kilmarnock and Hurlford but there is one big difference: Kilmarnock Road is the Council’s first net-zero assisted living development.

There will be 13 assisted living flats, six of which are designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users; an onsite staff base and three bungalows designed for wheelchair users.

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of the council was joined at the official ground-breaking by councillors Jim McMahon, Claire Leitch, William Lennox and Alyson Simmons.

He said: “It was great to be on-site to see the progress and for the official ground-breaking to take place. I am pleased to report that the build is going really well and is on schedule. This will not only provide 13 new homes but will allow people to live independently in our community.

“I am really proud of our house building programme and our move towards delivering net zero. This means that carbon emissions associated with regulated operational energy will be equal to zero so we will be installing air-source heat pumps and solar panels.

“In this ongoing Cost of Living crisis providing good quality, affordable, energy-efficient housing is so important and ensures that local needs are also met into the future.”

Councillor Jim McMahon, cabinet spokesperson for Housing, Welfare and Poverty, Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Addiction and Recovery performed the official ground-breaking.

He said: “The net zero assisted living development and bungalows in Mauchline will enable residents to live independently and safely within the local community, with support from health and social care services, in an environment that promotes social interaction.

“The development has been informed by collaborative working between the council’s Housing Service and East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and is genuinely going to be life-changing for the people who move in. I have visited our other assisted living developments and chatted with families of our tenants so I know how transformational these properties can be. I am sure it will be an asset to the people of Mauchline and that the community will provide a warm welcome.”

Kilmarnock Road is the latest in a long line of developments that have been undertaken in partnership with CCG (Scotland) and design team partners, MAST Architects, and is the second net-zero housing development with the 18-home Bellevue Gardens in Kilmarnock set for completion this spring.

CCG director Calum Murray added: “East Ayrshire Council and CCG’s strategic housebuilding partnership is continuing to transform communities across the region. Kilmarnock Road is a third such development that we have led that offers a unique, sheltered accommodation concept whilst the addition of wheelchair-adapted bungalows addresses local demand for accessible, affordable housing.

“The homes will also be highly energy-efficient thanks to CCG’s advanced build methods [helping to lower energy fuel bills] and the integration of an entirely renewable, zero-emissions energy strategy ensures that the development is leading-edge in addressing the current climate agenda. A great project, we look forward to bringing Kilmarnock Road to completion later this year.”

Alongside the creation of these much-needed affordable homes, a range of community initiatives will also be delivered by CCG including two new jobs, two work placements, engagement with local schools and £4,000 worth of localised investment.

The project is being developed with £1.3m of grant funding from the Scottish Government and contributes to their target of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.