Esh Construction has handed over a new premises which will provide a much-improved space and environment for children and young people’s mental health services in York.
Appointed by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) earlier this year, the project has seen the full refurbishment of a building on the Link Business Park in Osbaldwick, just outside of York City Centre.
Extensive structural alterations and re-modelling of the internal layout has provided a mix of assessment and therapy space, as well as office and training facilities. A single-storey extension built at the entrance point provides a welcoming reception area to the premises, which has since been named Orca House.
Gary Dobson, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “We are delighted to handover the second project we have delivered for TEWV NHS Foundation Trust, having recently completed the North Moor House development in Northallerton.
“It is really positive to see the development of facilities like Orca House which will help improve accessibility to mental health services in the area. A real team effort and strong collaboration throughout the scheme has ensured the new premises will meet the needs of service users and staff for years to come.”
Built across two floors, the site includes increased high-quality therapy space with improved accessibility for children and young people, and their parents and carers. The building will allow for more staff to work on site, whilst offering more space for clinical activity, group work and training.
The £1.2 million investment in this new facility demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to child and adolescent mental health services in the Vale of York. Commenting on the move Naomi Lonergan, TEWV Director of Operations in York said: “Previous facilities at Lime Trees had served us well but unfortunately no longer met our needs. We worked closely with Esh, as well as those who use our services to understand their needs and what they would like to see included and we are really pleased with the end result.
“The new facilities are really modern, welcoming and provide our staff, visitors and patients with so much more space. We are really looking forward to welcoming people to Orca House.”
The name Orca House was chosen through a consultation process ran by the Trust. Over 20 young people and their parents who access children and young people’s mental health services took part. The name was chosen because the Orca whale signifies strength and determination to overcome obstacles and stay on course.
The handover of Orca House comes just weeks after Esh Construction completed North Moor House, a new community mental health hub in Northallerton. The 2,500 square metre building provides modern outpatient facilities for local people of all ages who need to access mental health and learning disability services.
We are delighted to handover the second project we have delivered for TEWV NHS Foundation Trust, having recently completed the North Moor House development in Northallerton. A real team effort and strong collaboration throughout the scheme has ensured the new premises will meet the needs of service users and staff for years to come.”
