Robert Potter & Partners were appointed to develop a comprehensive mixed‑use masterplan for the redevelopment of the former Warren Park Care Home in Largs. The project transforms an outdated, non‑compliant facility into a contemporary 82‑bed care home supported by a new residential development, creating a cohesive place that strengthens the wider coastal setting. The masterplan addresses the growing need for high‑quality elderly and dementia care accommodation while sensitively integrating new housing into an established neighbourhood.
Planning Permission has been secured for a new-build flatted development within the site. The residential element provides a mix of apartment sizes, each orientated to capture sea views towards Great Cumbrae. Private patios and balconies, shared landscaped gardens, and well‑considered parking solutions all contribute to a high-quality living environment, with the site benefiting from strong connections to the town centre, golf club, marina and surrounding amenities.
Occupying a 0.62‑hectare plot between the railway line and the seafront, the site’s irregular geometry, mature tree boundaries, and proximity to existing homes shaped the key design parameters. The masterplan focuses on clarity of access, sensitive building massing, and the creation of sheltered, dementia‑friendly garden spaces that promote wellbeing, independence, and connection with nature.
Within the care home, a series of domestic‑scaled “neighbourhoods” allow residents to live in smaller, calm groupings that support familiarity and reduce stress. These are complemented by communal spaces including lounges, dining areas, activity rooms, a gym, café and cinema, each planned to maximise daylight and views into landscaped courtyards.
The architectural language combines warm clay brick, self‑coloured render and pitched tiled roofs, drawing from the local vernacular while avoiding any institutional character. Generous glazing enhances natural light and provides visual links to the coast and gardens. The landscape strategy prioritises safe movement, sensory stimulation and dementia‑appropriate planting, creating therapeutic outdoor environments.
Sustainability is embedded throughout the design, with enhanced thermal performance, passive solar strategies and natural ventilation reducing energy demand. Ecological enhancements—including native planting, hedgehog highways, and integrated bird and bat boxes—strengthen biodiversity and reinforce the site’s contribution to the local green corridor.
The proposal retains and improves existing access routes, enhances pedestrian movement and wheelchair accessibility, and provides secure, passively supervised entrances and garden areas. Together, these elements create a welcoming, safe and inclusive setting for residents, visitors and the wider community.
The Warren Park masterplan demonstrates a people‑centred architectural approach, combining contemporary care standards with contextual residential design and meaningful landscape thinking. The result is a benchmark mixed‑use development that delivers high‑quality homes, exceptional care environments, and long-term social value for Largs and beyond.
