Giant £105m new NHS mental health unit taking shape in North Manchester

Named North View, this state-of-the-art facility aims to address the critical need for advanced space and modern amenities tailored to adults with mental health needs from across Greater Manchester.

Addressing Mental Health Needs: A Vital Step Forward

Plans for North View were set into motion in August 2022, and the construction of this groundbreaking unit is anticipated to be finalised by autumn 2024.

The main objective behind this new establishment, situated on the premises of North Manchester General Hospital, is to elevate the quality of mental health services in the region.

By creating an environment designed to enhance therapeutic recovery, North View aims to ensure that individuals requiring mental health care can access the necessary support and care they need.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Pivotal Role

Upon its completion, the clinical services at North View will be provided by the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

This facility will replace the existing Park House mental health unit, which currently serves as the inpatient unit for the area.

Importantly, the NHS hope the transition will be seamless, as the new unit will be constructed in an alternative location on the hospital site, guaranteeing uninterrupted service as they switch venues.

Enhancing Patient Experience: Cutting-Edge Features

The forthcoming North View unit will boast an array of features tailored to support patients’ well-being.

The facility will house 150 spacious single bedrooms, each equipped with a private en-suite shower room.

The unit is thoughtfully designed to offer various indoor activity areas, meeting rooms for family visits, multiple gardens, spaces dedicated to therapeutic artwork, and even a café—fostering a holistic healing environment.

Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront

North View is aligned with the NHS’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, too.

This all-electric healthcare facility is ingeniously designed to utilise heat pump technology for heating, cooling, and hot water generation.

The construction incorporates energy-efficient materials throughout and includes roof-mounted solar panels, contributing to sustainable energy practices.

Construction Milestones

The construction site of North View has witnessed remarkable progress over recent months.

The steel frame superstructure, a significant element of the project, is nearing completion, with approximately 75% of the frame in place.

The remaining 25% is expected to be finalized by mid-September, marking a significant stride toward the unit’s completion.

A Learning Hub for the Community

In a heartening move, North View’s construction site has also become a hub for learning.

A ‘wet trades’ skills school has been established on-site, welcoming participation from the local community, schools, colleges, and even NHS staff and families.

This initiative offers hands-on experience in construction skills like plastering and bricklaying.

Additionally, a ‘dry trades and seminar facility’ is set to open in the coming months, aiming to further enrich the learning opportunities for interested individuals.

Commenting on the announcement last year,  Neil Thwaite, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “In deciding on a name for the new development we wanted to choose something that would stand the test of time and celebrate our location in North Manchester.

“The name provides a strong sense of place and was inspired by the Lemn Sissay poem “Anthem of the North”, whose imagery resonates with our ethos of care, resilience, hope and growth.​

“We are very much looking forward to our move into the new North View development.

“Not only does a modern, therapeutic environment help us to improve the quality of specialist inpatient mental health care, but the design of the unit has been carefully thought through to enhance what we do.

“The 150-bed spaces are in single rooms with en-suite bedrooms.

“There are indoor and outdoor amenity and activity areas with multiple outside garden spaces, space for artwork, meeting spaces and a café for everyone to enjoy.”