The proposed transformation of a long-derelict care home in Aberdeen into residential flats has progressed, following the submission of an additional, comprehensive planning application.
Initial plans were presented to Aberdeen City Council in October for the conversion of the vacant Beach Court Nursing Home into new apartments.
Now, a further application has been filed for modifications that would facilitate the residential conversion, offering more intricate details regarding the development.
Planning documents indicate:
“The existing care home has the infrastructure to enable conversion into a residential building and can support a rapid conversion to apartments.
“It is believed that this site and the resulting proposal for further private residential and social housing would complement the existing community in Constitution Street which already has a varied mix of private and social housing.
“Redevelopment of previously used sites makes a significant contribution to the overall sustainability aims of the Local Development Plan and this conversion ensures the reduction of waste that a new build development would provide, as the existing asset will be retained and enhanced.”
The documents add: “The conversion of Beach Court care home is likely to play a key role in the council’s vision to regenerate the beach area and the city centre. This development aims to ensure that the city remains a desirable place to live, by offering residents the opportunity to inhabit an architecturally rich piece of Aberdeen’s granite heritage.
“The aim is to create a sustainable community that is safe and desirable for its residents and deliver a flagship project that is of the highest possible quality.”
Both applications are currently awaiting approval.
The Beach Court Nursing Home ceased operations shortly after the Care Inspectorate uncovered “serious concerns around the care, staffing, management and leadership” during an unannounced visit in October 2013.
Since that time, the historic structure on Constitution Street has been left unoccupied, boarded up, and placed on the market.
The care home, which was managed by Four Seasons Health Care, had the capacity to accommodate up to 43 elderly individuals, including up to 19 with mental health challenges.
In a BBC report regarding the closure, Four Seasons emphasised that the wellbeing of residents was its top priority, but acknowledged challenges in hiring and retaining staff with the appropriate qualifications and expertise.
