Capability Scotland engages in co-production process to create £25m development in Perth

Capability Scotland, the charity behind the proposed £25m facility at Bertha Park in Perth, is engaging in one of the country’s largest co-production processes – a practice which sees services and designs tested and heavily shaped by feedback from those most affected.

It has built a life-size model of a future apartment in the theater at its existing Upper Springland site where it cares for 59 adults with severe and complex disabilities and plans to develop an exemplary new facility in Bertha Park.

Since February, more than 600 pieces of feedback have been provided, with respondents including people with disabilities who use their services, families and carers, staff and guests, including leading figures in health and the healthcare profession from around the world. Perth and Kinross Council.

Jennifer Dalrymple, Co-Production Manager with Capability Scotland, said: “The mockup was a huge success. Traditionally, developments of this scale and ambition would have been presented to staff and residents as a finished product.

“We want to build the best enabling and inclusive housing in the UK for people with severe and complex needs, in the heart of the Bertha Park village community. By engaging so intensely in co-production, we hope to understand how even the smallest detail can impact the experience of residents and staff. Allowing them to physically experience an example of their new apartment gives us incredible insight.

“Done well means we get the design as close to perfection the first time we ask for it rather than frustrating emerging flaws from the start – and we can achieve our lofty ambitions.”

As part of Ms. Dalrymple’s role, she meticulously collated all comments by topic, which will help designers understand how the smallest details can have a big impact. Common elements covered include wheelchair storage and access, bathroom space, layout and types of doors used.

She added: “The next stage of working in partnership will include a number of focus groups to discuss a range of topics including how technology can empower people, outdoor space, service delivery, catering and transportation to determine what people want life in Bertha Park to do. be like.

“It will be essential work to capture everyone’s knowledge and experience, which will strengthen the project enormously.”

Senior staff from Capability Scotland’s Project Board have visited other departments that have gone through a similar process and have already highlighted other opportunities that will be explored for the new site.

Stephen Oswald, Capability Scotland’s Project Manager, added: “We’re starting with a blank canvas, so it’s an exciting process and we can ensure that the voices of our key stakeholders are heard from the start. We encourage anyone who hasn’t shared their feedback – and who has a clear interest in the project – to contact us. »

In the early stages of its Bertha Park project, Capability Scotland is also working in partnership with Bertha Park Secondary School and local primary schools in the catchment area on a design challenge for the new campus which is being facilitated by MOBIE (Ministry of Building Innovation and Education).

The initiative will build strong relationships in the community while tapping into younger generation design ideas for the new facility.

Capability Scotland’s Upper Springland site on Isla Road has four registered services and provides residential and respite care for 59 adults with physical and learning disabilities. There is also a day service, as well as a hydrotherapy pool, accessible gym, theater and walled gardens.

However, while the quality of care is remarkable, the site is now over 40 years old and becoming more difficult to maintain. Climate change also means it faces a growing risk of flooding from the River Tay – and the charity is keen to create new state-of-the-art flagship services.