This pivotal development promises to significantly enhance mental health care services within Northern Ireland. Planning for the new £143 million Centre was approved by the Council’s Planning Committee in just 26 weeks.
Situated on trust-owned lands south of Antrim Area Hospital, the Birch Hill Centre for Mental Health will consolidate Northern Trust Mental Health services into a state-of-the-art facility. The new centre will comprise 134 single bedrooms, alongside dedicated spaces for staff and visitors, management offices, operational areas, and essential amenities such as landscaped gardens and ample parking facilities. The facility will provide an ideal setting for treatment and recovery, within a centre designed to be considerate of the neighbouring community.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly commented,
"I am pleased that the Council has approved plans for this much-needed centre for Mental Health. As a registered Nurse with over 40 years’ experience in Health and Social Care, I know first-hand how this facility will be a fundamental advancement for mental health care in Northern Ireland. It promises state-of-the-art services that will significantly benefit our community, addressing crucial needs and enhancing the quality of care available.”
Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown, added,
“Birch Hill Centre will play a crucial role in improving access to mental health services in Northern Ireland. We are committed to supporting projects that address critical community needs and improve the quality of life for our residents."