Home-like environment: The proposed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services facility. Images: Billard Leece Partnership.
A development application has been lodged for a new facility for youth mental health services to be built at Erindale Business Park.
The centre would replace the current one at the North Canberra Hospital ahead of the construction of the Northside Hospital.
Two existing single-storey commercial buildings on the 10,902 square metre block near the intersection of Lansell Circuit and Ashley Drive will make way for the single-storey Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) facility and 39 parking spaces.
The government says it will be a welcoming, purpose-built environment that reflects the needs of young people, their families and staff. Artist’s impressions show home-like buildings surrounding a central courtyard.
The main entry will be on the western side, providing convenient access from the car park and leading to a reception area, waiting lounge and group therapy rooms.
The southern side will accommodate consultation and staff rooms and the eastern side will provide a school classroom, staff consult room and a sensory nook.
As well as the landscaped courtyard, there will be communal open spaces including play areas and a basketball court.
An overheard view of the proposed facility.
The DA says 16 trees will be removed to allow construction.
CAMHS programs will be relocated from the North Canberra Hospital campus to Erindale by early 2027.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said Erindale offered an adaptable site in an established community hub with improved access to public transport, nearby green spaces, ample parking and capacity for future expansion.
“It is well suited to meet the current and future needs of young people and families,” she said.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the relocation of these vital youth services to Erindale was an important step in enabling the delivery of the new Northside Hospital while ensuring continuity of education for young people and families.
What the the courtyard will look like.
She said staff and students played a key role in shaping the design of the new cottage, ensuring it reflected the needs and experiences of those who use the service.
The current CAMHS Cottage at Bruce would remain fully operational until the new facility was complete.
CAMHS programs will be relocated from the North Canberra Hospital campus to Erindale by early 2027.
The facility will offer three interconnected programs to participants which include the Cottage Day Program, a return-to-school transition service for adolescents aged 12-18 years; Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Program, an intensive intervention service for adolescents aged 14-18 years; and the Childhood Early Intervention Program, an early intervention service for primary school-aged children and families.
The government says the new facility will continue to provide these services in a calm and therapeutic setting, with further opportunities for staff, families and young people to help guide the detailed design of both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Construction is expected to start in early 2026 subject to planning approvals.
Comment on the DA closes on 23 January.
