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 facility is to provide a home-like environment, and to make use of natural light with windows, indoor courtyards and skylights. These elements, and connection with the outdoors, can be seen as the building progresses and landscaping gets underway..
May - August 2024
Construction continues and by the end of August much of external scaffolding has been removed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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