The Avalon Healthcare Partnership (AHP) Consortium has handed over the newly constructed adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre to NL Health Services in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

The new, 240,000-square-foot, six-story facility has 102 beds and it will be an integral part of a mental health and addictions system and provide a user-friendly environment for health care professionals and modern mental health services for patients and clients, such as:

• a forensic unit
• two adult acute units
• a geriatric unit
• a short-stay unit
• eating disorder inpatient program

Inpatient amenities will include a therapeutic mall with services such as physiotherapy, a village square, a fitness studio, an art therapy program, and a horticultural suite.

The handover marks the conclusion of the major construction of the building and the start of the 30-year term of facility management by AHP. The partnership consists of the following major participants: Plenary Americas, Marco Group Ltd., G.J. Cahill and Company (1979) Limited, Cahill Facility Management Ltd., B+H Architects, John Hearn Architect Inc., Smith and Andersen, Entuitive and R.V. Andersen Associates Limited. In 2020, AHP was selected to design, build, finance and maintain the new adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre with a contract value of CA$ 330 million (US$ 236 million). The building incorporates modern-day architectural and design features that recognize the relationship between design and healing environments. With features such as abundant open spaces, natural light and therapeutic spaces inside and out, and places to engage with family and the community, the centre provides a village-like atmosphere with positive and uplifting spaces. From concept to design, to implementation and launch, persons with lived and living experience, along with government partners, NL Health Services and community, individuals and groups have played a crucial role in its healing-focused design.

NL Health Services is now in operational control of the facility and will begin the process of moving equipment and staff to the new facility, to open the new center to the public in spring 2025.