Key Facts:
- Avive Health plans to build a new 60-bed private mental health facility within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, in partnership with Niecon Developments
- The facility will offer specialty treatment including drug and alcohol services, general psychiatry, trauma care, and support for veterans and emergency services personnel
- Purpose-built features include healing-centred architecture, circadian lighting, and digital medical records systems, alongside therapeutic facilities such as a gymnasium and art therapy rooms
- The hospital will enable research collaboration and registrar training through partnerships with Griffith University and Gold Coast University Hospital
- The development is part of Avive Health's expansion across Australia, with facilities already operating in Brisbane and Mornington Peninsula, and construction beginning in Adelaide this October
Gold Coast – 1 October 2025: National private mental health operator, Avive Health today confirmed its intent to expand private mental health services on the Gold Coast, with plans for a new purpose-built hospital within Lumina at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP) – a 200ha business and research development precinct supported by $5bn in investment by the Queensland Government.
The proposed facility – Avive Clinic Gold Coast – corneriing Hill and Frazer Streets, Southport will be delivered under an op-co/prop-co partnership with Avive Health as operator and Niecon Developments as project developer, subject to final funding, planning and building approvals. The hospital is planned to provide 60 additional private mental health beds, alongside day programs, integrated outpatient pathways, and a strong focus on research, registrar training and innovation in partnership with universities and health partners.
Specialty treatment will include drug and alcohol use disorders (including medical detoxification), general adult psychiatry, anxiety and mood disorders, early life and adult trauma, as well as veterans, defence and emergency services personnel. Its design brings together healing-centred architecture, circadian lighting, sensory zoning, and a digital-first electronic medical records system with e-medication management to streamline care.
Co-location within the GCHKP will enable registrar training, research collaboration and innovation in partnership with Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital and Queensland Academies: Health Sciences.
Mark Sweeney, co-founder and co-CEO of Avive Health said, "Clinicians want ownership, engagement, and the opportunity to shape new models of care while partnering with universities and health systems. Patients expect the very best facilities and access to innovative therapies – yet today's mental health infrastructure remains stagnant, marked by limited choice and constrained capacity.
Avive stands apart as the only private mental health operator in South East Queensland with fully integrated EMR and e-medication platforms that drive continuous improvement, research partnerships and the development of next-generation care. We're already proving this model in Brisbane and on the Mornington Peninsula, and we will extend it to Adelaide as construction begins next month. Avive Clinic Gold Coast represents our vision to add capacity, deliver calmer and more human environments, and embed interoperable systems that remove friction for referrers, patients and families. Once approved, this partnership with Niecon positions us to deliver the next generation of mental health care inside a true health innovation precinct on the Gold Coast," said Mr Sweeney.
William Nikiforides, Managing Director, Niecon added, "Niecon has always been committed to creating spaces that not only shape the Gold Coast's skyline but also enrich the lives of our communities. This initiative reflects that ethos – a purpose-built health facility designed to foster collaboration among leading medical industries, professionals, researchers and technology innovators.
"We are proud to welcome Avive Health and their innovative Avive Clinic Gold Coast, whose pioneering approach advances access, expands services and raises the bar for integrated care. Avive's decision to progress within this health hub underscores the vital role mental health plays in a holistic approach to healthcare. Together, we're creating a space where innovation meets compassion, and where the health of our community is truly prioritised," said Mr Nikiforides.
Rx Property Australia acted on behalf of Niecon to identify and secure the right clinical operator for the Gold Coast Life Sciences facility, and to support engagement with clinicians.
Bryce Stickland, Principal of Rx Property Australia said, "The brief from Niecon was clear – secure services that strengthen the precinct and deliver long-term benefit to the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. Avive was the perfect match. Despite current pressures on private hospital operations, demand remains strong and these facilities are a compelling long-term investment. Encouraging signs from government reinforce the need for additional mental health capacity, and Avive's model across inpatient, day programs and outpatient care strengthens both access and choice."
Avive Clinic Gold Coast proposed features:
- 60 private single bedrooms with ensuites
- Technogym-equipped patient gymnasium with exercise physiologists
- Psychedelic and assisted therapies including ketamine and TMS
- Group and art therapy rooms
- Circadian lighting, electronic medical records and medication management
- Tailored range of therapeutic electives to support recovery - from art and diversional therapy to nature walks; and family, carer and support groups
- Onsite private practice
- Indoor–outdoor recovery and relaxation areas
- On-site parking and end-of-trip facilities
- Transport assistance for inpatients, where required
