A DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY housing development in Alloa has been recognised for its re-energising impact on town centre rejuvenation.

The 60 flats nearing completion at Primrose Street, where viewings are available today and tomorrow for prospective residents, scooped the Town Centre Living Award at the Scotland Loves Local Awards.

The development, which transformed a brownfield site that used to house Alloa's Co-op, marked a “new chapter in the evolution of Alloa town centre – once again making it a living place, particularly for older people”, according to the nomination.

It is hoped that it “will have a hugely positive impact on the surrounding area and is providing a housing solution to maximise the time the local ageing community can remain within their own homes, supported by further improvements around the town centre”.

Clackmannanshire Council worked in partnership with Kingdom Housing Association to develop the flats, which comply with Dementia Services Development Centre guidelines and achieve the highest level of dementia friendly accreditation.

According to judges, the partners recognised that residential development has an important part to play in supporting the regeneration of Alloa town centre and diversifying it as a living space.

The former Co-op site was regarded as a blight on the area – sitting empty and derelict.

Nomination papers added: “The council acquired the site with an existing, acceptable, but unremarkable planning permission in place.

“The council had an ambition to create a high quality town centre living environment for people of all ages and an exemplar for independent living.

“Kingdom Housing Association shared that ambition and took forward the development of the site.

“Its completion, along with the related streetscape projects and Alloa Hub are re-energising this blighted part of Alloa town centre.

“The town centre is ready to welcome its new residents, both with the physical changes made and the alignment of council, business and third sector services in making a great living environment.”

Organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise and reward remarkable work taking place to improve communities.

Professor Leigh Sparks, STP chairman, said: “The dedication of people to deliver for their community never fails to amaze us.

“And, whether through responding to the climate emergency, improving our streetscape, creating new homes or urging people to choose local, our finalists and award winners stand testament to the innovation and determination which will create better town centres as part of a stronger, more sustainable Scotland.

“Their communities should be very proud of them.”

Those interested in living at the development can head to the Speirs Centre between 10am and 1pm today and tomorrow, November 23 and 24.

Council officers will be on hand to arrange viewings and there is no need to book.