CALA Homes (North) and Aberdeen social care charity VSA have revealed details of a development project as part of the charity’s Changing Lives campaign.
Last year, the leading housebuilder and the charity submitted a joint planning application to Aberdeen City Council to transform VSA’s former Forest Grove care home at 22 King’s Gate into brand new homes. Since then, they have worked with key stakeholders to further refine the plans to ensure the development best fits the location and local needs, with a planning decision now imminent.
If approved, the deal will provide significant financial support to the charity’s Changing Lives campaign, which seeks to raise £3.2m to build a state-of-the-art mental health facility at Abergeldie Road in Aberdeen.
The updated proposal will see the creation of 41 one and two bedroom apartments over four storeys, instead of the previously proposed 49 homes over five storeys.
Mike Naysmith, managing director at CALA Homes (North), said: “Our proposed development at King’s Gate will transform a currently disused, redundant site into high quality apartments. After liaising with the local community and other consultees, our revised plans take careful consideration of the feedback received, including significantly reducing the height of the building. In addition, the impact of widening the access road will be minimised by creating a remote footpath which will ensure more of the existing stone wall is retained, whilst allowing safe access by car or on foot.
“This development will enable our partners at VSA to further invest in providing vital services to the vulnerable people of Aberdeen and CALA are very proud to be part of that. We are hopeful that local members will approve the plans and look forward to the outcome in due course.”
Kenneth Simpson, chief executive of VSA, said: “If this application is approved, the sale of the land would enable us to confirm the delivery of this much needed mental health resource in Aberdeen, which could be open and welcoming its first residents in 2020. We have had overwhelming support for the Changing Lives campaign from the public and businesses in Aberdeen, and look forward to delivering this vital resource for vulnerable people in our local community.”
King's Gate