Plans are moving forward on the development of a new mental health inpatient facility in Highgate.

BAM Construction has been appointed to take forward the project, which will be built opposite the Trust's existing Highgate Mental Health Centre.

The new, purpose-built facility, with five wards, a gym, dedicated activity spaces and a community café, will replace the mental health inpatient wards at St Pancras Hospital which are ageing and no longer fit-for-purpose.

Design proposals for the new facility have been shaped over the last year, with The Trust liaising with service users, carers, staff and architects to shape the layout.

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The Trust's St Pancras Transformation Programme Director, Malcolm McFrederick, said: "Our aim is to develop a modern, therapeutic facility that supports wellbeing, recovery and enables staff to provide the best possible care. We are delighted that a contractor has now been appointed to turn year-long co-production discussions, into a reality."

Commenting on the appointment, Gavin Pantlin, Construction Director for BAM / Rod Stiles Regional Director for BAM in London, said: "Our experience combined with a highly modern and sophisticated approach is what the healthcare sector demands because of the range of sensitive environments patients and medical professionals experience.

"Our main concern is working closely with the Trust, understanding their needs clearly and thoroughly, and seeking ways to use the opportunity that building these new facilities brings to benefit others.

"We are eager to develop the strong relationship we have started to forge with the Trust and its partners so that many good things can develop from it, for the Trust, for its patients, and for the people who live and work in the area."

Construction on the new mental health inpatient facility is set to begin later this year.

(CM/JG)