The Andrews Labor Government’s expansion of the state’s forensic mental health capacity is taking another step forward, with designs unveiled and a builder appointed for the redevelopment of Thomas Embling Hospital.

Acting Minister for Mental Health Colin Brooks today announced John Holland has been appointed to deliver the landmark $462 million project, which includes a new dedicated 34-bed women’s precinct, a 48-bed medium security men’s facility, a new entry complex, onsite carpark and administration facilities.

The upgrade will reduce wait times for mental health assessment and treatment, support the rehabilitation and recovery of patients in a safe and therapeutic environment and increase access to services for female patients – creating around 750 jobs during peak construction.

The designs reveal the new exterior from Yarra Bend Road and the internal fit-outs, including the entrance area and bedrooms, which are designed to be secure, contemporary and focused on recovery.

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended co-design be put at the heart of all new mental health infrastructure – with the experiences of patients, consumers, carers, clinicians and researchers shaping the planning and design of the project.

Delivering on a key recommendation from the Royal Commission, the project’s co-design and engagement report highlights the Labor Government’s dedication to building a new system guided by people with lived experience of mental illness.

Site preparation works are expected to start in the coming weeks, with major construction on track to get underway by the end of the year and be completed by 2024.

Work is continuing on more than 90 per cent of the Royal Commission’s recommendations, with $1.3 billion delivered in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 –building off last year’s record $3.8 billion investment.

The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Forensicare.