Extensive plans for a new, purpose-built mental health facility at St John’s Park in New Town have been submitted to the Hobart City Council, as the Tasmanian Health Service battles with increased demand.
The proposed multi-storey facility on St Johns Avenue will provide both inpatient and outpatient services, with 27 beds across 23 bedrooms.
The St John’s Park Southern Mental Health Beds Development will offer 15 inpatient beds, providing “step down” care after hospitalisation and “step up” care to prevent hospitalisation.
The Tasmanian Eating Disorder Service will offer 12 inpatient beds in a home-like environment.
Planning documents submitted on behalf of the Department of Health state the new facility will provide 24/7 care and improve access to best-practice treatment for mental health patients.
“The Government has committed to construct a purpose-built mental health facility providing inpatient and outpatient services as part of an integrated service delivery model,” the application reads.
“This Development will provide a state-of-the-art facility and increase access to best practice contemporary care for mental health patients at the appropriate level of acuity.”
The proposed site is part of a historic precinct that has been used for various community and health purposes since the 1800s.
It houses an Orphan School constructed between 1831 and 1833, St John’s Church built in 1834, two disused burial sites and plantings of historic significance dating from the 1840s.
The heritage precinct is currently home to other health services, including forensic services and research laboratories.
In 2023, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the project would bring Tasmanian health services into the 21st century while preserving the area’s significant cultural and built heritage values.
“The masterplan is a 20-year blueprint and will see the revitalisation of the site into a contemporary health care campus for Tasmanians,” the Premier said.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing a record $12.1 billion into health over the next four years, including $682.9 million to build and upgrade new hospitals and health infrastructure.”
The proposal is currently under assessment by the Hobart City Council and is open for public comment.
