The Government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has initiated planning work for a new, purpose-built facility dedicated for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

The new site is backed by an investment exceeding A$1bn ($679m).  

This development marks a significant step in the relocation of several services from the North Canberra Hospital campus. 

CAMHS 'Cottage' programme, which aids young people with severe mental health issues, will be moved to a new facility in Lyons, which is in Canberra's south region. 

The Cottage has been instrumental in helping participants achieve functional improvements and regain confidence to return to educational or vocational settings, the government stated.  

Relocation of the Cottage programme is expected to be a critical phase in preparing the site for demolition and the subsequent construction of a new hospital in northside Canberra.  

Besides, this initiative is part of the northside hospital enabling works, supported by a A$27.5m investment from the 2024-25 ACT Budget. 

Following the completion of the initial procurement process for the Northside Hospital Project, Billard Leece Partnership has been selected as the design partner for the new CAMHS facility at the Lyons site. 

The government noted that the latest milestone comes several years after the ACT Health Directorate, in collaboration with clinical services at the North Canberra Hospital campus, worked to assess their current and future space requirements. 

The collaboration also identified suitable locations for services that will need to relocate in the coming years. 

Billard Leece Partnership will now advance the detailed design of the new CAMHS facility to ensure it meets the needs of the staff, patients, as well as their families. 

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said: “The site in Lyons will provide an important community setting for young people with access to surrounding facilities and green space, and is well connected to public transport and active travel networks.  

“The new facility will be designed with young people, carers, clinicians, and the local community to ensure we continue to support positive outcomes for children and young people experiencing moderate to severe mental illness. 

“Expected completion of the new facility in Lyons is 2026. Until then the Cottage will remain fully operational at its existing site at North Canberra Hospital.”