Residents at John Smith Court in Airdrie are benefiting from a major improvement project that has made upper-floor homes more accessible for older people and those with reduced mobility.
Two new platform lifts have been installed as part of a pilot project at the retirement housing complex. For many tenants, climbing stairs had become difficult or even impossible, leaving some feeling isolated or unable to fully enjoy the communal facilities designed to support their wellbeing.
The £100,000 project was delivered through the council’s Enterprise Contract partnership with Mears, with Saltire installing the Motala platform lifts. The pilot has been such a success that plans are now under way to roll out lifts to the remaining closes, with work expected to begin in Spring 2026.
Visiting the complex, Council Leader Jim Logue said: “This project is all about supporting residents to live independently and safely. The difference these lifts have already made is remarkable. I’m delighted that we’ll be extending this work across the rest of the complex so more tenants can enjoy the same benefits.
“This marks our ongoing commitment to improving accessibility, supporting older residents, and ensuring retirement housing continues to meet peoples’ needs now and into the future.”