A BID to create a care village for older people at a site at Inveresk has been unveiled.

Richmond Villages, part of Bupa and a founder member of the Associated Retirement Community Operators, is proposing to develop vacant land at Kirk Park to the rear of Inveresk Church.

The project would create 150 full and part-time jobs.

The new care community would provide “a range of accommodation to meet the needs and aspirations of older people”.

A brochure being distributed to nearby residents states: “This will help alleviate the shortage of care facilities for older people and improve both the quality and choice of retirement living and care facilities in the area.”

The development proposes 168 one and two bedroom care suites/apartments; 30 frail elderly nursing care beds and 30 dementia care beds together with communal facilities.

A care home would provide long-stay care as well as offering post-operative, re-enablement and respite care.

Residents purchasing a care suite or care apartment would have access to an on-site domiciliary care team, with support available 24 hours a day.

Additionally, the provision of meals, cleaning and laundry form part of the support services.

A range of vehicles would provide transport for village residents to get to local shops and doctor, hospital and dental appointments as well as recreational outings and visits to places of interest.

The brochure adds: “The proposed care community will offer high-quality personal, nursing and dementia care together with assisted living accommodation designed to help people retain as much independence as possible.

“In addition to care and support, the complex will offer many opportunities for social activities and events in the extensive communal facilities.

“This will include a restaurant, café, library, crafts room and a wellness spa incorporating a swimming pool, exercise studio, treatment rooms, and hair and beauty suite. In addition, residents will have access to landscaped gardens which will be managed by Richmond Villages’ own gardeners.”

The village will employ around 150 people in a full and part-time roles including senior and departmental management, administration, reception, hospitality, caring, nursing, activities, housekeeping, maintenance, driving and gardening.

In April 2010, East Lothian Council’s planning committee voted to approve proposals for a care community at Kirk Park. Richmond Villages has undertaken a redesign, resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in scale and massing compared to the former scheme.

The brochure explains: “At the same time Richmond Villages’ design team has paid close attention to the sensitivity of the site from a conservation perspective and has worked closely with renowned local conservation architect, Ben Tindall, in developing a scheme which is sympathetic and in keeping with the architectural character of Inveresk. The planning application will assess other potential impacts such as traffic, heritage and ecology.”

Members of the public will get the chance to view the plan at an exhibition in the Ravelston House Hotel, 182 North High Street, Musselburgh, on Thursday, November 30, from 3pm to 8pm.