The Rockliff Liberal Government has selected Fairbrother Construction as the preferred tenderer for the new St John’s Park Mental Health and Eating Disorder facility in New Town, Tasmania.

The mental health facility is the first phase of the St John's Park redevelopment and is part of the government's investment in mental health reform.

Similar to the Peacock Centre that opened in March, the facility will offer various services, including a 15-bed residential unit, a Mental Health Integration Hub, a Safe Haven, and a Recovery College.

St John's Park will also expand Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

This initiative is part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's plan to enhance mental health services by providing community-based care to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

Premier Rockliff said: “This facility will back in the success of the Peacock Centre by providing another location where Tasmanians can receive world-class, contemporary, community-based mental health services.

“We know the best place for many people to receive mental health care and support is in community settings, as it can prevent the need for unnecessary hospital presentations and admissions.

“Development of the facility will significantly increase community-based mental health resources in Tasmania and improve outcomes for mental health patients by ensuring they can receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Additionally, St John’s Park will house the new Tasmanian Eating Disorders Service, funded by the Australian Government, which includes a 12-bed residential facility and a day programme area.

The project's design has involved input from individuals with lived experience, families, carers, and communities.

Construction of these facilities is set to commence soon.