The modern facilities - located on the site of the former Stevenson Institute - were created as part of a pioneering initiative between North Ayrshire Council’s Housing Services and the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

The new development includes the construction of the £1.3 million Stevenson Court housing development comprising 11 two-bedroom amenity flats.

These flats have been specifically designed for older people and include features such as level access showers, accessible sockets and switches, and a communal lift to help tenants remain independent.

Residents are also able to benefit from individual, ground floor, secure stores which can be used for the charging and storage of mobility scooters.

To ensure the new development complements the local surroundings, the stone bell tower from the original Stevenson Institute has been restored and incorporated into the unique entrance feature of the flats.

The new fit-for-purpose Stevenson Day Service and Resource Centre aims to provide a wide range of flexible services for up to 20 service users a day.

The facility, which opened its doors in June, was specifically designed in a dementia friendly manner and incorporates a range of facilities to meet the needs of its service users within the Largs and North Coast area.

This includes the creation of a safe outdoor space which has been designed to complement the flexible accommodation available and enable a wide range of person-centred activities to be offered within the new facility.

Service users and their families were heavily involved in the facility’s design and were encouraged to share their ideas to shape its development.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for place, said: “The new Stevenson Court development features modern, high quality housing which has been carefully designed to meet the needs of our elderly residents to allow them remain living independently in the community.

“We recognise there is a need for affordable homes in the Largs area and this project shows our determination to address this issue. It also emphasises our commitment to address the housing needs of residents across the area.”

Councillor Anthea Dickson, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The official opening of the new Stevenson Day Service and Resource Centre once again underlines our continued commitment to ensuring our residents can receive the best possible care in an environment tailored to their needs.

“The construction of this state-of the-art, purpose-built facility also highlights our innovative and forward thinking approach to providing services within our communities. It also gives us the opportunity to develop services to support the individuals across Largs and the North Coast area who require support.”

Provost Joan Sturgeon added: “I was absolutely delighted to be able to mark the official opening of the new Stevenson Court and Stevenson Day Centre and Resource Centre. These are two fantastic developments which will bring huge benefits to the people of Largs and the North Coast area.”

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