Disability support charity gains local feedback on new £25 million facility planned for Perth outskirts

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A disability support charity has gained local feedback on its bold £25 million plan to build the “UK’s best enabling and inclusive accommodation” on the outskirts of Perth.Capability Scotland has built one sample full-sized model of 60 apartments, planned for the new Bertha Park facility, within the theatre of its existing Upper Springland site to give people a taste of life at the proposed accommodation.

Since February more than 600 items of feedback have been contributed, with respondents including disabled people who use its services, families and carers, staff and guests including leading figures from both health and Perth and Kinross Council’s healthcare profession.

Capability Scotland, the charity behind the plans, also worked in partnership with Bertha Park High School and local primary schools in the catchment area on a design for the new campus.The care company’s current residents and their families have also had input including designs for the bedrooms and bathrooms.Capability Scotland is in the process of finalising the procurement of the land with Springfield, the developers of Bertha Park.The building would be located next door to the high school and would house 60 flats for adults with complex needs and a community centre.The project team estimate the new facility will be open in 2025 at the earliest with planning permission yet to be submitted.The Upper Springland campus on Isla Road will see its 200 staff and 59 residents move to the new apartments when completed.The current site has four registered services and offers residential and respite care to 59 adults with physical and learning disabilities.There is also a day service as well as a hydrotherapy pool, accessible gym, theatre and walled gardens.Des