The Tasmanian Government is getting on with the job of building a better health system and growing our frontline health services.
As part of the 10-year $580 million Launceston General Hospital Redevelopment, a purpose-built Mental Health Precinct is slated for the current Viewpoint site at 52 Frankland Street, Launceston, replacing the current Northside Unit.
The Northern Mental Health Precinct will deliver a comprehensive range of acute and community-based mental health services to provide immediate support, brief interventions, education, and assistance for Tasmanians in a contemporary, home-like environment.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said that this dedicated Mental Health Precinct will make a significant difference for Northern Tasmania.
"This $80 million facility comprises a 30-bed acute mental health inpatient unit, a 5-bed Short Stay Unit, and co-located community-based services including a Recovery College and a Safe Haven for those in situational distress which have already been successfully implemented at the redeveloped Peacock Centre in the South," Minister Barnett said.
"A Development Application for the demolition of the vacated buildings on Frankland Street is being submitted to the City of Launceston today.
"Subject to achieving necessary approvals, construction tenders are expected to be called in early 2025, with works due to get underway in mid-2025 and construction is due to be completed in 2027 – in line with the LGH Masterplan which outlines progressive development over the next ten years.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future has a strong focus on ensuring there is more access to better mental health services for Tasmanians."
The new Northern Mental Health Precinct will also include car parking on site for staff and consumers to provide easy access to the building.
To alleviate the temporary loss of public carparking at the Viewpoint site during construction of the Mental Health Precinct, a temporary carpark will be constructed on the old Anne O'Byrne site on the corner of Howick and Charles Street.
