Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal has opened a new £5m extra care housing complex for adults with learning disabilities.

The building was opened on 20 August and incorporates 24 self-contained apartments with associated communal spaces at St James's Place in Inverurie.

The housing complex is a cross between residential accommodation and healthcare. Along with apartments and communal facilities, the facility also includes a patio and seating area within a courtyard area, plant beds, grassed areas, trees and shrubs.

-- Advertisement --

The development was built by Bancon Construction.

Pupils from Kellands Primary School were invited to come up with suggestions for a name for the building.

Four names were put forward, with councillors eventually settling on St James's Court.

Provost Hamish Vernal said: "I was delighted to be asked to open this brand new housing complex in Inverurie. This forms part of Aberdeenshire Council’s commitment to ensure that adults with learning disabilities have a range of accommodation options which support them to live in and be included in their own communities."

The development forms part of the current phase (phase five) of the Council New Build programme, which will see the completion of 169 new homes by December this year.

(LM/MH)