A LUXURY £55 million retirement development, the first purpose built of its kind in Scotland, could be set for Newton Mearns.

If the proposal to East Renfrewshire Council’s planning committee goes through, the project would create more than 365 permanent jobs over the next 30 years, contributing more than £74 million to the local economy within that time frame.

Developers have said the “unique” development would challenge the perception of what a retirement scheme should be by offering a wide variety of modern facilities to encourage activity and foster a strong community.

The extensive list of facilities would include a clubhouse overlooking a 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.

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The Netherplace Retirement Development would be constructed in a countryside setting just outside the suburb of the town on a 17-acre former industrial site.

The development comprises 214 one and two-bedroom flats and 38 cottages as well as an 80-bed care home which would be built adjacent to the development, offering extensive care amenities and specialist services, providing 24-hour support to residents.

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 clubhouse, 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, said developers.

The project 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 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 and picnic areas.

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The development is being taken forward by Glasgow and Singapore-based property company Scotsbridge Holdings, managed by locally-based property developer Shazad Bakhsh.

Mr Bakhsh has worked closely with East Renfrewshire Council in developing the proposal and believes Netherplace could become one of the most innovative new communities for over 55s anywhere in the UK, further providing inward investment to East Renfrewshire.

He said: “Netherplace will be so much than a retirement development - it will create a vibrant new community.

“By incorporating the latest thinking, contemporary design features and activities ranging from yoga to fishing, this development aims to reinvent the concept of retirement living in Scotland.

“We believe this project will ultimately reduce the burden on local authority care provision by providing residents with more intermediate care options.

“This is an opportunity to create a community in the truest sense of the word and tackle preconceptions of what a retirement development can be.

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“The placement of these bespoke lifetime homes, with facilities which are second to none, will ensure a higher quality of living.

“In addition to significant facility and activity offerings, the development will also feature an on-site daycare nursery, ensuring interaction with the wider community while the considered layout will encourage neighbours to engage with each other.

“Our professional and experienced team has a vision to modernise the sector and provide a development to both answer demand and exceed expectations.”

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.

Founder Jonathan Jewitt said: “We’ve carried out thorough and extensive research on aspirational, high-quality homes and engaged with numerous public and private bodies to achieve the optimum scheme proposal.

“This proposal includes a wide variety of unique features which have been subtly future-proofed to cater for the changing needs of residents.

“By providing this kind of accommodation, it’s expected housing currently occupied by one or two persons within the surrounding community will be released into the market for much-needed family housing.”