Construction work has started on an age-friendly development in Edinburgh, Scottish Housing News has reported.

It is understood that Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association has started work on the £6m development. Designed by local architects, Smith Scott Mullan, the project is part of Castle Rock Edinvar's '1000 Homes for Edinburgh' initiative to deliver homes in the capital over the next five years.

With regards to this development, named Fortune Place, all of the 54 flats will be available at affordable rent to people aged 60 and over. It is a redevelopment of St Barnabas Court, one of the first sheltered housing developments in Scotland built by Castle Rock in 1974, as well as the adjacent council-owned care home at Craigour, which has since been demolished.

The main building will comprise of a two-storey, four-in-a-block cottage apartments, plus a flatted corner block which benefits from south facing views over the park, and includes four homes specifically designed to be fully accessible to wheelchair users. Three of these flats are on upper floors.

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In addition, all of the homes are energy efficient with large windows to let in as much light as possible, with and easy access to attractive outdoor spaces to encourage residents to engage in outdoor activity.

Commenting on the project, Alister Steele, Castle Rock Edinvar managing director, is quoted as saying: "How we feel about our physical surroundings can impact on our well-being. We are creating stylish apartments for people who wish to live independently for as long as possible.

"The spaces are larger than normal to accommodate any required home-based care or mobility aids, and interiors are designed to allay confusion or anxieties which may occur either now or in the future."

Eugene Mullan, Director of Smith Scott Mullan Architects, added: "The buildings have been designed to overlook the surrounding streets and the local park, creating interest and a pleasant outlook for residents.

"The design of the streets reduces the car speeds while maintaining safe pedestrian routes. There are enclosed communal gardens and the detail design of these gardens will take place once the homes are occupied. We hope this housing will be a distinctive and welcoming addition to the Moredun area."

Fortune Place is expected to open in March 2015.

(JP/MH)