A public consultation is taking place on a masterplan for a multi-million pound inter-generational village consisting of nearly 500 homes in Dumfries.
Local people have been invited to a community event on Thursday to find out more about the £45 million “care campus” in the Crichton Quarter, that is set to be the first of its kind in Britain.
Gwilym Gibbons, chief executive of The Crichton Trust, said the event being held at the Easterbrook Hall at 2pm will focus on what makes the Ladyfield site “special and unique in the eyes of stakeholders and the local community.”
He added: “I am delighted to have an experienced and knowledgeable team of employees and consultants working together to help shape plans for the Ladyfield site in Dumfries.
“While we are aware some local residents and stakeholders have concerns about this development, we take our responsibility to protect and enhance our physical and natural environments very seriously and I can assure you that we will show the same level of care and respect in developing the Ladyfield site as we do at the Crichton.
“I, for one, am very excited about the opportunities this project presents and I hope others will share my optimism during the next phase of community and stakeholder engagement activities.”
The plans include 477 homes for people of all ages including students and infrastructure facilities and amenities including a primary school, shops and a health centre.
Older people will be at the heart of the community, living side-by-side with students, families and workers at the site who will all “look after each other.”
The project team is hoping to see building work on the development starting within the next five years.
Collective Architecture, with RaeburnFarquharBowen, Buro Happold and nbm Construction Consultants, have been appointed to lead the masterplan project on behalf of the Crichton Trust.
Ross Aitchison, project architect for Collective Architecture, said: “The Ladyfield 21st century village project represents a culture-shifting opportunity to create a truly sustainable new community tied to the rich heritage of the Crichton and the significant natural assets of the Ladyfield site.
“Our experienced design team are excited to be working with The Crichton Trust and their extensive group of stakeholders to deliver on their aspirations for this exemplar project.
“Our role will be to draw out the unique characteristics of the existing historic, social and natural setting to develop a framework for an aspirational and outstanding intergenerational place.”
The Ladyfield site, currently in the ownership of the council, sits adjacent to the Crichton.
Councillor Stephen Thompson, co-leader of the Dumfries and Galloway authority, said: “I am delighted that Dumfries and Galloway Council is a partner in this development and we look forward to participating in the upcoming community engagement event.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to come along on Thursday to get your views heard.”
Councillor Linda Dorward, co-leader of the council, added: “This is a very exciting and ambitious project for the Ladyfield site. Having seen some of the work that The Crichton Trust have achieved over the last few years, I am sure that the development of this site will deliver benefits for all.”
A Facebook page has been set up by local people concerned about the Ladyfield plans.
The page can be viewed at - https://www.facebook.com/SaveLadyfield
