Designs for Grampians Health’s Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) Centre have officially been unveiled, with construction set to commence next month.

To be delivered by our Capital Projects team in partnership with the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), designs for the multi-million dollar facility feature a welcoming, home-like environment with private bedrooms to support young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing mental health challenges.

The designs also feature communal kitchens, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and an outdoor garden to foster communal living, and has been thoughtfully shaped by the insights and experiences of young people, carers and clinicians with lived experience in mental health.

Acting Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Gerard Malcolm said Grampians Health and VHBA, in consultation with the City of Ballarat, had worked through an extensive design process seeking to balance the requirements for a fit-for-purpose facility that responded to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

“We’re looking forward to helping deliver this vital facility which will provide essential support to young people from across the Grampians region. This project reflects our commitment to ensuring that we continue to deliver the best care to our communities,” Mr Malcolm said.

“The single-storey facility will include 10 private bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms and will be located on Durham Street, Newington, adjacent to the existing Grampians Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) centre on Pleasant Street South.

The new YPARC Centre will expand the range of treatment and support options available to young people in the Grampians region.