Plans unveiled for Scotland’s first dedicated luxury residential retirement development

Plans for a pioneering £55m luxury residential retirement development, expected to be the first purpose built of its kind in Scotland in Newton Mearns will go before East Renfrewshire Council’s planning committee this week.Developers have drawn up plans based on a vision of active later living. The unique development challenges the perception of what a retirement scheme should be by offering a multitude of modern facilities to encourage activity and foster a strong community. The extensive list of facilities will include a clubhouse overlooking the reservoir, a fully equipped gym, spa amenities and various dining options.The scheme involves an improvement of a previous application that was recommended for approval. The Netherplace Retirement Development will be constructed in a countryside setting just outside the suburb of Newton Mearns on a 17-acre former industrial site.The development comprises 214 one and two-bedroom flats, 38 cottages (252 dwellings in total) and an 80-bed care home built adjacent to the development to offer extensive care amenities and specialist services designed to provide 24 hour support to its residents and the overall development.An independent economic impact study estimates that the development will support more than 365 permanent jobs during the next 30 years and contribute more than £74m to the local economy within that timeframe.The development is being taken forward by Glasgow and Singapore-based property company Scotsbridge Holdings, managed by locally-based property developer Shazad Bakhsh, who has worked closely with East Renfrewshire Council in developing the proposal.Mr Bakhsh believes Netherplace could become one of the most innovative new communities for over 55s anywhere in the UK and provide further inward investment to East Renfrewshire.Among the extensive list of on-site facilities, which will be used by both residents and the wider community, will be: a central two-storey club house, tidal pools, spa facilities, a fitness suite, multi-use spaces for community events, a clinic, a contemporary restaurant, function suites and various shops. The proposal will incorporate the very latest in information technology to provide the highest standard of support services for residents.The development will be the most sustainable of its kind in Scotland, with a district energy centre and heating system to provide the most environmentally friendly power at the lowest possible price.A reservoir on the site dating back to 1850 will be incorporated into the overall development with plans to create walkways around the water feature, which will be stocked with trout for fishing. Gardens and places to socialise will be a major priority along with the provision of garden sheds and barbecue/picnic areas.Demolition and clearance of the site, a former dye works which last operated in 2003, has already been completed to enable works to begin as soon as planning permission is received.Glasgow-based practice Jewitt & Wilkie Architects has been appointed to design the development.