Parklands plans £1 million investment in two Moray homes

Parklands Care Homes has unveiled a £1 million improvement plan for two Moray care homes ahead of their imminent transfer to the group.

Parklands was appointed to manage Wakefield House and Weston View in March after operator Craigard Care Limited went into administration. Parklands is expected to formally acquire the two homes in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, the care group – which this year marks 30 years of providing care in Moray – has submitted plans to Moray Council to upgrade both care homes.

The biggest changes will be made at Wakefield House in Cullen, built around the mid 19^th century and converted into a care home in 1992. Wakefield currently has capacity for 30 residents.

The proposed improvements are required in order to satisfy current Care Inspectorate guidelines, which cannot be accommodated within the existing layout of the building.

On the ground floor, major improvements include widening the pathway and entrance to the home to improve access for people with reduced mobility. Existing bay windows at the front of the building will be replaced with a new sunroom extension, creating a larger communal space to comply with current Care Inspectorate guidelines.

The existing single storey extension at the side of the property will be replaced with a larger extension providing new staff changing facilities. The new extension will match the appearance of the existing building.

Much of the work will involve alterations to internal walls and partitions to provide upgraded laundry facilities, additional WCs and an additional assisted bathroom. A new hairdresser and an additional en-suite bedroom will also be created on the first floor. A new lift will improve access to bedrooms at the front of the home.

The planning statement for Wakefield House is clear that the proposed improvements will enhance the building in a manner which maintains the architectural quality of the original building.

It states: “A restrained palette of high-quality materials, including zinc cladding and render, is proposed. The transparent property of the glass frontages ensures that the proposed extensions do not obscure the original building and instead maintain the architectural quality of the original construction. This sleek modern design creates a visual contrast between the original building and the extension in a discreet manner that is not detrimental to the home’s original qualities.”

At Weston View in Keith, which has capacity for 40 residents, Parklands plans to create a new café on the ground floor that will also serve as an event space for parties, activities and concerts. The internal foyer will be enhanced to create a more welcoming entrance area and Weston View’s four-day rooms will be expanded to create more space for residents.

New doors at ground floor will provide improved access to the landscaped gardens. Balconies will be added on the first floor to provide residents with outdoor space, in accordance with Care Inspectorate guidance.

Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “The investment we are making and the improvements we are proposing are all designed to create a better living environment for residents, in line with the latest guidelines from the Care Inspectorate.

“When we were appointed to manage these homes, we set out our intention to deliver the highest standards of care; that applies not only to the excellence of care we offer but to the quality of the living environment. Both homes require significant investment in order to bring them up to the Parklands standard.

“We hope to make an announcement on the long-term future of Wakefield House and Weston View in the coming weeks. In the meantime, these necessary improvements signal our commitment to provide quality care and a comfortable living environment for residents.”