A BRAND new 'assisted living' housing development in Auchinleck has been officially opened.

Quarry Knowe Court features eight one-bedroom flats, a care provider’s base and a private garden for residents.

The development, built for the East Ayrshire health and social care partnership (HSCP), was opened by Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council's spokesperson for housing, welfare and poverty, social care, mental wellbeing and addiction and recovery.

Cumnock Chronicle: Councillors Reid and McMahon with local ward representatives Linda Holland, Alyson Simmons, Claire Leitch and William LennoxCouncillors Reid and McMahon with local ward representatives Linda Holland, Alyson Simmons, Claire Leitch and William Lennox (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

He was joined at the opening ceremony by council leader Douglas Reid and by the three local councillors for Auchinleck and the surrounding area - Linda Holland, Claire Leitch, William Lennox and Alyson Simmons.

The development has been built by the council’s strategic developer partner CCG (Scotland) Ltd.

Councillor McMahon, who unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion, said: “It was a real honour to be asked to officially open Quarry Knowe Court and to celebrate this fantastic assisted living development with the residents, colleagues and partners who have all worked in partnership to deliver this facility.

Cumnock Chronicle: Inside one of the new flats at Quarry Knowe Court in AuchinleckInside one of the new flats at Quarry Knowe Court in Auchinleck (Image: Newsquest)

“The concept for this development was informed by collaborative working between the council’s housing service and East Ayrshire health and social care partnership, and is based on our award-winning developments in Kilmarnock and Hurlford.

"Our aim was to enable residents to live independently and safely in the local community, with support from health and social care services, in an environment that promotes social interaction, and I can categorically say that this aim has been achieved.

“A key part of our housing building programme is engagement, engaging with local communities and working closely with the East Ayrshire Federation of Tenants and Residents.

Cumnock Chronicle: Cllrs McMahon and Reid with local members and reps from Housing Services, FPM, EAHSCP, Enable Scotland and CCGCllrs McMahon and Reid with local members and reps from Housing Services, FPM, EAHSCP, Enable Scotland and CCG (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

"Together we are changing lives and future proofing our communities, not just our building, by ensuring that local needs are met.

"I am very proud of what we have achieved to date and of our aspirations for our communities.”

CCG director Calum Murray said: “Working in partnership, East Ayrshire Council and CCG has helped transform communities across the region thanks to a strategic programme of housing-led regeneration but none will be quite as transformative as Quarry Knowe Court.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“A small but wonderful development, the council are to be commended for their efforts in providing a housing solution that fully addresses the very specific needs of the new residents and giving them the means to experience independent living.

"We were delighted to be involved alongside our design partner MAST Architects and hope each new resident settles in over the coming weeks.”

The project was developed with £632,000 of grant funding from the Scottish Government and contributes to their target of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.