A new 32-flat social development has been officially opened in Elgin, designed with dementia, wheelchair adaptation and Extra Care facilities.

Linkwood View was opened by Christina McKelvie MSP on Friday morning, 21 September.

Since welcoming its first residents in September 2017, the Hanover Housing site has won multiple awards including Social Housing Development of the Year by Premier Guarantee and a commendation from the Saltire Society.

The development comprises:

• Six flats designed for dementia with design guidance from the Stirling Dementia Design Service.

• Four flats designed for varying degrees of physical disability in conjunction with occupational therapists and tenant requirements.

• 22 care flats capable of being adapted to suit occupants' needs, physical or mental health related, with an innovate in house care service.

The homes were built by Springfield Properties in partnership with Moray Health and Social Care and the Scottish Government.

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Linkwood View includes dementia design features such as glazed kitchen units, contrasting switch and socket face plates and skirting.

Other features include:

• Courtyard typology which creates a safe environment that can cater for varying stages of dementia and elderly care.

• Flexible floor plans offering open or closed plan layouts, with flats designed to adapt to the changing needs of the residents.

• External walkways creating opportunities for residents to interact and larger flats with additional bedrooms encouraging family to stay or have study rooms/home offices for continuing an active life.

Helen Murdoch, Chief Executive of Hanover Scotland, said: "We are delighted that the Minister has been able to officially open Linkwood View and see the innovative approach we have taken to ensure we have suitable housing for older people, linked to their health and social needs. Linkwood View is part of a major investment by Hanover Scotland in the North East of Scotland, totalling £29.5m since 2015.

"As well as innovative design and facilities, we are also committed to better engagement with residents and the local community. At Linkwood View, children from the nearby Magic Roundabout Nursery have been involved in the project from the beginning, being able to see the construction progress and also now an ongoing role with part of the garden, encouraging interactions with residents."

Christina McKelvie MSP, Minister for Older People and Equalities, added: "It's great to see a second development by Hanover Scotland linking housing and care for older people in one setting.

"This is a really good example of the kind of innovative thinking we want to see around the care for older people as and when they might need it. It allows older people to retain their independence for longer, which is so important, and can also tackle other issues such as social isolation."

(CM/MH)