£3.6m contract awarded to help complete mental health facility

A new mental health facility for young people is being built in Leeds with G&H Building Services designing and installing mechanical, electrical and public health services. (MEP)

The £14.5m state-of-the-art West Yorkshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) unit will be based on the former St Mary’s Hospital site in Armley.

G&H Building Services was appointed by the main contractor, Interserve, the support services and construction group, in a £3.6m contract.

G&H has engaged on a design and build MEP contract to deliver the 22-bed facility for young people in West Yorkshire experiencing complex mental illnesses.

Specialist therapeutic care with a multi-purpose activity room and educational facilities will be provided along with a family visiting room, green communal space, courtyard and a place of safety for those in need of urgent help.

Crucially, the facility will cut the number of patients having to travel long distances for treatment.

G&H will provide a full suite of MEP services including modifications and diversions of existing below-ground services and managing incoming water and gas supplies.

HVAC, underfloor heating, air source heat pumps and thermal insulation will be installed as well as a host of safety and alarm features.

Group director, James Taylor, said: “This is a hugely important project enabling two healthcare trusts to provide critical care in the community.

“Our digital engineering-led designs focus on creating the best possible services solutions and settings to rehabilitate young people and children.

“Finer details such as low energy lighting and controls will play a key role complementing the interior design to help create a relaxing atmosphere for those needing care.”

West Yorkshire CAMHS is a joint venture between Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The project is expected to be completed in autumn next year.