A charity that delivers care, support, and education for disabled children and adults is looking to move one of its largest dedicated care facilities to the outskirts of Perth.
Capability Scotland currently operates the Upper Springland campus in the Fair City.
But it is exploring the option of replacing it with a new, purpose-built facility at Bertha Park.
An engagement exercise will now take place with residents, relatives and staff to gather views on the proposal.
The Upper Springland facility on Isla Road is now 40 years old and is becoming “increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain,” according to the charity.
There are also concerns over flooding given its proximity to the River Tay.
It has three registered care homes and offers residential and respite care to 59 adults with physical disabilities and learning disabilities. There is also a day service – as well as a hydrotherapy pool, theatre and walled gardens.
Callum MacGregor, director of adult services and business development with Capability Scotland, said the charity wants to engage with key groups early in the process.
He also reckons the end result will be a UK-leading facility that pushes the boundaries of housing and care for people with complex needs.
He said: “The quality of care at Upper Springland is outstanding and our team does a truly impressive job, day in, day out – as evidenced by the continued high grades from the Care Inspectorate.
“But we have recognised that although the properties were state-of-the-art in their day, we now need to move away and to develop modern facilities that will become our flagship services.
“We have a rare opportunity to start with a blank canvas to completely re-imagine our services.
“We want to continue to challenge stereotypes of what is possible for disabled people and ensure we are achieving equality in all aspects of life.
“To help us with this task, we are totally committed to involving those with clear interests in all aspects of the design process and eventual move. And even though we are at a very early stage in the process, we want to provide a reassurance that all voices and opinions will be heard.
“What we can say is that it will be the most significant and most complex project that Capability Scotland will have undertaken in many years.”
Callum added that staff, customers and their families have been advised no change will happen at Upper Springland for the foreseeable future as the project team estimate the new facility would be open in 2025 at the earliest.
