Work has started on a new housing development for older residents in Bathgate, West Lothian.

The £6.9m development will include 30 one-bedroom flats, office accommodation and shared support facilities such as a dining area, laundry area, foyer and internal courtyard, hairdressers, multi-purpose rooms and staff facilities. There will also be communal spaces for tenants and the wider community at Rosemount Court.

Graham Construction has been appointed to the scheme which will see the existing Rosemount Court sheltered housing accommodation refurbished, as well as the conversion of the existing bed-sit accommodation to provide a total of 16 one-bedroom flats.

The new building aims to provide well-designed, self contained one bedroom flats for independent living, alongside 24-hour staffing cover.

The multi-million pound development is being delivered by West Lothian Council's development partner Hub South East Scotland and appointed contractor Graham Construction.

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It is anticipated that the development will be completed by October 2015.

Neil McFarlane, regional director at Graham Construction said: "This is our first Hub project with West Lothian Council and we are looking forward to developing our strong relationship with the local authority.

"Once completed, Rosemount will provide care to the elderly in this community within a welcoming environment which will include a range of state-of-the-art features."

Danny Logue, West Lothian Council's Executive Councillor for Social Policy, added: "This is an important stage in the process for a new facility which will provide homes and on-site support for older people in our communities, including some who are affected by dementia.

"We hope to produce an attractive and welcoming building that will enhance the appearance of the area, and offer a good quality of life for residents. Key features include a public street zone area comprising of a restaurant, community space and a hairdresser, with a garden and landscaped area for the community."

Daniel Donald, development manager for Hub South East Scotland, commented: "This is our first project under construction with West Lothian Council and we are delighted that work has now begun on site. The Hub initiative is about delivering excellent community facilities for local people and this new and refurbished accommodation in Bathgate is a great demonstration of this.

"Once complete, not only will it help improve the quality of life and independent living for residents, but it will provide communal facilities for the wider community."

(JP/MH)