Grant House refurbishment completed
Major refurbishment works have recently been completed at Grant House Care Home, Grantown on Spey.
The work involved the upgrading of electrical and heating systems, a replacement call system and fire alarm, improvements to residents’ en-suite bathrooms and the installation of a sprinkler system. The kitchen was also completely refurbished, new automatic entrance doors were installed and a new emergency generator was provided in addition to decoration and new floor finishes throughout. This refurbishment followed on from work done earlier in 2012 to upgrade assisted bathing and toilet facilities.
The total cost of the two projects was £1,215m.
The work took longer than originally planned due to additional works being carried out and also as a result of working in occupied premises. With a reduced occupancy and the day care service relocated to The Glen Centre in Aviemore, the work was carried out in phases to allow the home to remain open throughout. The works were managed and procured by the Council’s Housing and Property Service and the contractor was Morrison Construction who worked closely with the Grant House Care Home staff to ensure the works were carried out with minimal disruption to residents.
The improvement works to Grant House is one of three Council care homes refurbishment projects currently underway in the Highlands at a cost of £4.7 million.
Morrison Construction is working to upgrade Ach an Eas, a care home for older people in Inverness and also have the contract to carry out the second phase of the refurbishment to Invernevis House in Fort William.
Chairman of the Council’s Finance, Housing and Resource Committee, Badenoch & Strathspey Councillor, Dave Fallows said: "We would like to thank residents, their families and day clients for their patience and co-operation during the refurbishment. I know everyone will be happy with the upgrade of this very important community asset. I would also like to thank our staff who have done wonderful work supporting everyone throughout the period. This has been a considerable investment by the Council and demonstrates our commitment to providing the very best care for older people.”
Under a separate contract a biomass boiler is currently being installed to provide the major heat source for the building. This will help Highland Council to reduce energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint. This work should be completed by the end of March.