Dramatic Crieff supported accommodation saga sees its ‘happy ever after’ ending, with purpose-built homes now ready for residents

A story over four years in the making – marked by highs, lows, and acts of kindness and determination – has come full circle, with nine specially built supported accommodation properties now ready to become forever homes for their residents.

The nine units, completed through a unique partnership between Hillcrest Homes, Hillcrest Futures, and Hillcrest Maintenance following the liquidation of former contractor Hadden, were formally handed over at the end of the year, marking the successful completion of a complex and challenging project.

The story began in June 2021, when a number of people supported by Hillcrest Futures with a range of additional needs were promptly evacuated by night from their previous Milnab Street homes due to the imminent threat of a neighbouring chimney stack collapsing.

This whirlwind evacuation saw the local business community rally to support the displaced residents. The town’s Murraypark Hotel provided temporary accommodation, while The Furnishing Service donated furniture and other essentials to ensure their interim housing was fully equipped.

Meanwhile, work began to create a new permanent home for the supported individuals, who live with challenges such as learning disabilities, autism, and dementia.

The former Abbeyfield House supported accommodation at Crieff’s Ryan Place, which had fallen into disrepair, was demolished, and Hadden Construction was appointed to build new, specially designed accommodation.

Construction progressed until Hadden unfortunately entered liquidation mid-project, casting uncertainty over the future of the development.

Once again, a number of organisations stepped up to ensure the residents’ new homes would be completed. Despite specialising in repairs and upgrades – and with construction falling outside Hillcrest Maintenance’s usual remit – the company pledged to take on the role of lead contractor, working in partnership Hillcrest Homes’ Development Team and quickly getting up to speed.

A large number of sub-contractors involved in the project also agreed to continue working on the new Ryan Place accommodation, despite many having incurred financial losses through Hadden’s collapse.

Just some of the sub-contracts that agreed to return include, Park Plumbing & Heating, Carle Joiners Ltd, SC Site Services Ltd, Care Electrical Ltd, Cube Glass Ltd, RJM Flooring, Oliver and Robb Architects and Discovery Fire Dundee.

The newly completed homes have been designed from the ground up with the residents in mind. Features include a large secure courtyard with extensive decking, accessible facilities, and 24/7 in-house support staff accommodation. Residents were even given the opportunity to personalise their new homes, choosing their carpets and a paint colour for a feature wall in the lounge of their new homes.

John Alexander, Hillcrest Chief Executive, said: “This is a remarkable project – not just in terms of delivering this specially created accommodation, but also because of the rollercoaster of events that led us here, and the determination and selflessness shown by the organisations and local businesses involved in making it all possible.

“It’s a beautiful example of the construction sector and local business community pulling together to deliver a complex project during challenging times, doing so with the residents at heart and a shared commitment to providing them with a comfortable forever home.

“It’s not often that a project has such a strong human element at its core, so seeing these properties completed is something everyone involved in this journey can be proud of.”

James Thomson, Head of Hillcrest Maintenance, added: “This has been a complex and challenging project, and something of a new venture for Hillcrest Maintenance.

“However, given the upheaval and events already experienced by this group of supported individuals, this was a project we simply couldn’t allow to fall into jeopardy. We were more than happy to step in and ensure it crossed the finish line.”

John Booth, Director of Hillcrest Futures, said: “From the moment word was received in 2021 about the threat posed by the crumbling chimney, these people we support have faced varying degrees of upheaval.

“They’ve taken it all in their stride and have been fantastically supported every step of the way. The completion of this project marks a very happy final chapter in their story, and those moving in are excited to call these new properties home.”