The building situated on St James’s Place, Inverurie, just across from Inverurie Hospital, incorporates 24 self-contained apartments with associated communal spaces.

The facility is a cross between residential accommodation and healthcare. As well as the apartments and communal facilities it also includes a patio and seating area within a courtyard area, plant beds, grassed areas, trees and shrubs.

Aberdeenshire 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.”

Pupils from Kellands Primary School were invited to come up with suggestions for a name for the building. The school is located near to the new development and the pupils were able to watch as the construction progressed.

Four names were put to councillors on Garioch Area Committee who selected St James’s Court.

As part of the official opening the school was presented with a cheque by the contractors of St James’s Court, Bancon Construction.

Cllr Anne Allan, chair of social work and housing committee, said: “When we were considering housing needs in Aberdeenshire we recognised the need for new build extra care housing developments across areas of Aberdeenshire where there is identified need.

“Inverurie was one such area and I am sure the first residents will be as impressed as I am with the excellent apartments and facilities.”

The development forms part of the current phase (phase 5) of the council new build programme which will see the completion of 169 new homes by December this year.

It also forms part of the accommodation strategy for adults with learning disabilities called “A Place to Live”.

@Aberdeenshire