Demolition of the former Dalrymple Court sheltered housing complex was completed late last year, ahead of a £5.55 million redevelopment.

And this week, North Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane officially marked the start of building work on the site.

Once completed in early 2021, the site will boast 33 new homes designed specifically to meet the needs of older residents and wheelchair users.

The new sheltered development – being delivered by McTaggart Construction - will include 24 one and two-bedroom homes, a visiting services room and scooter store. The site will also include nine bungalows specifically designed for wheelchair users.

Councillor Cullinane said: “We have one of the most ambitious council house building programmes in the UK and providing affordable, modern homes for our older residents is a key part of our proposals.

“The homes being built at Dalrymple Place will be at the cutting edge of inclusive living.

“As well as incorporating a mix of sheltered housing and wheelchair liveable bungalows, all homes will be designed using dementia-friendly design principles to ensure that they support our residents’ wellbeing.”

Being dementia-friendly ensures the homes will be fitted with lighting, flooring and fittings which will make life more comfortable for residents.

North Ayrshire Council has committed to building 1,575 new council homes by 2025 and is well on track to meeting that target, with new sheltered housing a key part of the plans.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for place, said: “We are committed to ensuring our older residents can enjoy the type of accommodation which meets their needs.

“Dalrymple Place will be the latest redevelopment in a massive programme of improving our sheltered housing complexes across North Ayrshire.

“Over the past few years, we have delivered improved sheltered housing at Kyleshill Court in Saltcoats, Glencairn House in Stevenston, Robert W Service Gardens in Kilwinning, Dickson Court in Beith, Watt Court in Dalry and Montgomery Court, Kilbirnie.

“And we have more in the pipeline including the new sheltered housing accommodation at Flatt Road in Largs which will make the most of modern technology.”