Housing group gets £12m loan to build new homes
Blackwood Homes and Care will develop 160 highly accessible homes across Scotland after being granted £13m through the Scottish Government’s charitable bonds scheme.
Based on the provider’s pioneering Blackwood House, homes will come equipped with electronic sliding doors, electric blinds and underfloor heating as well as solar panels.
Other special features include rise and fall surfaces and cupboards in the kitchen. The contemporary bathrooms will be fitted with the fully adjustable Pressalit system so fittings can move horizontally and vertically. The suite also comes with a self-cleaning toilet.
The smart properties will be integrated with Blackwood’s own digitally-enhanced personalised care system, CleverCogs, which, in addition to controlling heating and lights, can be used to enable customers to video chat with their friends and family and receive appointment and medication reminders. Many of the CleverCogs features will be voice-controlled.
Debbie Collins, finance director at Blackwood, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this backing from Allia C&C. This will enable us to deliver more accessible housing across Scotland. There is huge demand for these homes and with an ageing population we need to build more for all of our futures.”
The homes have been carefully developed with accessibility in mind. By combining innovative construction with the latest technology, Blackwood aims to help disabled people live their life to the fullest by providing housing and care services which are tailored to their individual needs.
Housing minister Kevin Stewart added: “These new homes will provide more choice and flexibility for people with disabilities, and their families, with innovative technologies that support independent living.
“Everyone deserves a home that suits their needs, and that’s why we’re investing in charitable bonds to deliver more affordable, accessible and efficient homes across Scotland. To date, our £172m investment in the programme has provided development finance for over 1,200 affordable homes.”
