Work on a new social housing scheme designed to allow older people to live independently has begun.
The 44 homes at Spynie will be for older people who require different levels of care and support, and will allow them to get that while living more independently.
Hanover Scotland developed the project in partnership with Health and Social Care Moray and the Scottish Government, and it will be built by Robertson.
Known as Hamilton Gardens, it will consist of 44 two-bedroom homes, ranging from amenity flats and cottages to extra care flats with five specially designed to accommodate wheelchair users. It will also have a common room for residents to socialise in, a kitchen and two offices.
The social housing development is designed to bring health care into the community and is expected to be opened in autumn 2019.
Mike Martin, chairman of Hanover Scotland, said: “When completed, this important development at Spynie will provide a range of homes to suit the different needs of older people, allowing them to receive care and support in the community. We are proud to be working in close partnership with Health & Social Care Moray to deliver this much needed specialist social housing for older people in the local area.”
Hanover Scotland already have 26 developments in Moray, including Varis Court in Forres which is an innovative complex for older people.
Hamilton Gardens is one of two sites that the company are working on in the Elgin area, alongside one at Stonecross.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead visited the complex and was given a tour, hearing about the special design features that will be present in the development.
He said: “It was great to meet Hanover Scotland and Robertson who are working to deliver this key development at Spynie and to hear how people’s individual needs will be met here. The benefits of providing good quality care in the community that allows older people to retain their independence are well known, and this kind of modern, purpose built housing is much needed in Moray.”