West Lothian Council’s project at Cawburn Road, Pumpherston is expected to open in November 2022. Construction work is being undertaken by Cruden Building East, part of the Cruden Group, on behalf of the council.

The facility will support individuals with complex and specialist care needs, enabling the council to support discharge arrangements for individuals in long stay hospital placements and those who are currently being supported in resources out with West Lothian.

The new centre will also reduce the use of private placements, including those where provision is out of the West Lothian area.

West Lothian Council is funding the £4.5 million project with additional funding via the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Support Programme.

Angela Doran-Timson, executive councillor for health and care, said: “It is great to see the site now progressing in an area that has seen a lot of development over recent years.

“This is in keeping with the vision of the redesign and modernisation programme for adults with learning disabilities which will see a significant shift in the balance of care from hospital to community settings. This is a significant investment in local care facilities for vulnerable people.

“We are committed to delivering this vitally important centre and we look forward to the centre opening next November.”

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building East, said: “We are pleased to start work on this new development where we are building 16 new terraced bungalows which will be linked to a separate single storey staff building with parking provision and landscaping. We will incorporate a number of sustainability features at this new project, including the use of ground source heat pumps to provide energy efficient heating and hot water.

“As with all our developments, we will be providing a wealth of community benefits to support the local area.  This includes work placements, apprenticeship placements, and tender and training opportunities for local businesses.”