The Rockliff Liberal Government has announced the preferred tenderer for the new St John's Park Mental Health and Eating Disorder facility in New Town, as Fairbrother Construction Pty Ltd.
Premier and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Jeremy Rockliff said the new community-based mental health facility is the first stage of the St John's Park redevelopment and forms part of our Government's significant investment in mental health reform.
"The new facility will be similar to the Peacock Centre – which opened in March this year – and will incorporate a suite of services including a 15-bed residential unit, a Safe Haven, a Mental Health Integration Hub, and a Recovery College," Premier Rockliff said.
"St John's Park will also provide more space for our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services."
St John's Park is part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's plan to transform the way mental health services are delivered in the State.
"This facility will back in the success of the Peacock Centre by providing another location where Tasmanians can receive world-class, contemporary, community-based mental health services," Premier Rockliff said.
"We know the best place for many people to receive mental health care and support is in community settings, as it can prevent the need for unnecessary hospital presentations and admissions.
"Development of the facility will significantly increase community-based mental health resources in Tasmania and improve outcomes for mental health patients by ensuring they can receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time."
St John's Park will also be home to the new Tasmanian Eating Disorders Service, which is funded by the Australian Government and includes a 12-bed residential facility and a day program area.
People with lived experience, their families and carers, and communities, have been involved in the design of the project and will continue to be consulted.
Premier Rockliff said the Government is absolutely committed to continuing to build the best health system in the nation.
"We are doing what matters for Tasmanians by investing in the health infrastructure our community needs," he said.
Construction of the St John's Park Mental Health and Eating Disorder facility will begin in coming months.
