Acute Mental Health Unit
A long-term strategic solution to provide a new, purpose built acute mental health unit. It is currently under construction with an expected completion date of June 2025.
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
Virtual tour of new Acute Mental Health Unit
This virtual tour shows progress as of June 2024.
September - December 2024
Key to the design of our new facility is to provide a home-like environment, and to make use of natural light with windows, glass, indoor courtyards and skylights.These elements can now be seen as the building work progresses.
Cladding on the exterior, and a pop of colour. The brick and timber cladding give a residential effect.
Cladding on the exterior, and a pop of colour. The brick and timber cladding give a residential effect
View of external courtyard
View of external courtyard
Bedrooms have a view outside
Bedrooms have a view outside
Skylights used throughout. Height and light make for a spacious feel
Skylights used throughout, height and light make for a spacious feel
May - August 2024
Construction continues and by the end of August much of external scaffolding has been removed.
Internal fitout underway. Brickwork, together with timber cladding, a key part of the design
Internal fitout underway. Brickwork, together with timber cladding, a key part of the design
The plant room in the ceiling continues to take shape. Minister Doocey and Suze Redmayne, MP for Rangitikei view progress
The plant room in the ceiling continues to take shape
Jan - May 2024 - Construction continues, roof completed
The new building is taking shape and work continues on the external cladding, the roof, and the interior structure.
Work on the internal structure underway
Work on the internal structure underway
A view from above, roof nearing completion
A view from above, roof nearing completion
Window installation
Window installation
September - December 2023 - Framing and construction
Framing and construction of the building began in September, and the large structural frames were in place by the end of the year. The design vision for the roof takes its inspiration from the nearby mountain ranges of the Tararuas and the Ruahines – made of high wooden interior ceilings to reflect the influence of the landscape.
Framing erected and underway
Framing erected and underway
Roofing and bracing well underway. Corrugated, colour steel roofing for stage 1 is installed
Roofing and bracing well underway. Corrugated, colour steel roofing for stage 1 is installed
February - August 2023 - Foundations completed
The foundation for our new Acute Mental Health Unit was completed on 23 August 2023, and took six months in total.
LT McGuinness now on site and enabling works. First major concrete pour occuring for stage 1 exterior foundation
LT McGuinness now on site and enabling works. First major concrete pour occuring for stage 1 exterior foundation
First section of stage 1 foundation completed. Third pour for stage 2 commences
First section of stage 1 foundation completed. Third pour for stage 2 commences
Concrete foundations completed
Concrete foundations completed
August 2022 - January 2023 - Construction site cleared
Ahead of the construction crew commencing work, the building site was cleared of buildings and trees. Pullar Cottage (previously used for doctors’ accommodation) was removed as a result of poor condition ruling out relocation. However, thanks to a deconstruction approach its lovely matai flooring, doors and window frames were able to be re-purposed. In addition to the surrounding trees that were required for removal, a plan for transferral was done in partnership with Pae Ora and local iwi. Many were transferred to other areas of the campus, while the large Totara tree was given to Rangitāne to be used for carvings that will form part of the new facility.
Prior to removal, deconstruction and the last of Pullar Cottage
Prior to removal, deconstruction and the last of Pullar Cottage
Site being cleared for new Acute Mental Health Unit, before ground works begin
Site being cleared for new Acute Mental Health Unit, before ground works begin
February 2020 - September 2023 - The beginning, turning a concept into a detailed design
In February 2020 a concept design was developed. Government approval for the business case was received in September 2020. By March 2021, architects were appointed, and work on te preliminary design got underway. Preparations for developed design then began in October 2021. In June 2022 a cultural narrative was put in place to support the detailed design. This was Te Wao-nui-a-Tane, which translates as “The Great Forest of Tane” It reflects the ecosystem of integrated health. By September 2022 the detailed design was completed and procurement of a main contractor got underway.
Start of a concept design, preliminary design workshop for AMHU launches, and design shared with Heretaunga residents
Start of a concept design, preliminary design workshop for AMHU launches, and design shared with Heretaunga residents
AMHU entry design impression, Northern road view and street view
AMHU entry design impression, Northern road view and street view
AMHU aerial view, detailed design and cultural narrative in place to support the detailed design
AMHU aerial view, detailed design and cultural narrative in place to support the detailed design
The establishment of a new purpose-built Acute Mental Health facility is well underway. Construction commenced in February 2023 and by August the foundation was complete. By December, the large structural beams were in place and roofing has begun. The forecast completion date is June 2025, and the budget $66.6 million.
The new unit will have 28 beds, and is 2,900 m2 in size. Looking to the future, there is provision for four to eight beds to be added. The building was design was inspired by the nearby mountain ranges - the Tararuas and the Ruahines. It will be welcoming, warm and make good use of natural light to enhance the therapeutic nature of care.
Contact us
For any enquiries of feedback relating to the Acute Mental Health Unit Project, you can contact us on +64 6 350 8967 or email ourplace@midcentraldhb.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact us at hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz