The 60 affordable new homes, all for social rent, have been designed to support Clackmannanshire Council’s sustainable ageing policy, created to help people live independently in their own homes for longer.

The project’s architect, Bracewell Stirling, worked closely with Architecture and Design Scotland and the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre with the goal of achieving the highest level of dementia-friendly accreditation available. Open plan layouts, full height glazing and appropriate use of colour, materials, signage and landscaping have been used to create a safe environment that is easily navigated.

When asked about the new homes in Alloa town centre, Paul McLennan MSP, Minister for Housing said, “We want everyone to have a safe, warm affordable home that meets their needs. This dementia-friendly development will allow people to live independently in their home for as long as possible.

“Funded by £4.9 million Scottish Government Charitable Bond donation, the 60 affordable homes, all built for social rent in Townhead House, will also contribute to our target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 of which at least 70% will be available for social rent.”

In addition to the Scottish Government funding through the programme managed by Allia C&C, the balance was funded by Kingdom and a substantial financial contribution by Clackmannanshire Council.

Townhead House was built by Campion Homes and features a range of housing designs that cater for local housing needs. The homes are highly energy-efficient, and meet Housing For Varying Needs, Secured By Design Gold, and Kingdom Housing Association’s own design standards.

Kingdom Housing Association chair, Linda Leslie, said: “Townhead House is an important development in the approach to housing design and I’m proud that Kingdom is part of it. We know that high-quality affordable housing changes lives, but we also know that lives can change suddenly and unexpectedly. If that happens, worrying about whether or not you’ll be able to stay in your own home and remain part of your own community is added stress.

“In developing these homes, working with our partners at the Scottish Government, Clackmannanshire Council, Bracewell Stirling architects, Stirling University, and Campion Homes, we’ve been able to provide a colourful and vibrant living environment that has achieved the highest level of dementia-friendly accreditation and offers maximum flexibility to support independent living for as long as possible. If Kingdom can play even a small part in making the lives of our residents better, particularly during the most challenging of circumstances, we will do everything we can to support that.”

Various community benefits were delivered locally during the construction phase of Townhead House including the creation of 4 apprenticeships, sustainment of 20 apprenticeships, the creation of 10 jobs and festive donations to Alloa Foodbank.