The construction of an 80-bed private mental health hospital in Frenchs Forest, specifically focusing on youth treatment, has been given the go signal in a pivotal move that will address the pressing needs of the Northern Beaches community.
The Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub, with a budget of $54 million and soaring eight storeys high, is scheduled to commence construction in mid-2024 after NSW Planning approved the State Significant Development Application – SSD-30236074
The facility is expected to be built on a former business park site in Tilley Ln.
As mental health concerns continue to escalate, local mental health advocacy groups threw their weight behind this initiative, which will be leased out to private operators.
The developer, CK Group, is resolute in addressing the “high level local unmet demands” with this facility.
The building will not only have inpatient rooms but also outpatient and clinical therapy services, consulting rooms, electroconvulsive therapy treatment and recovery spaces, along with meeting and group rooms. The facility will also include essential amenities such as an ambulance bay and parking for 73 cars.
Private patient rooms with ensuites, a rooftop garden, a ground floor cafe, a gym, a “healing garden,” and “reflective sitting nooks” are all integral parts of the comprehensive plan.
For CK Group’s managing director, Walt Coulston, the primary focus is on “establishing a much-needed mental health facility specifically for juveniles.” The vision extends beyond treatment to making a substantial contribution to the well-being of the broader community.
The Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub holds the promise of being a lifeline for those in need, with plans to employ approximately 120 staff upon opening. It is strategically located, less than a 10-minute walk from the Northern Beaches Hospital, which already provides mental health services but is grappling with increasing demand.
“Right now, demand for acute mental health services is at a high,” Nic Brown, CEO of the youth preventive mental health support group said.
“It’s imperative that additional resources are invested in a timely manner to address this and prevent any future risks in our community.”
For individuals struggling with mental health issues, support is also readily available through Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636.
Published 26-Jan-2024
