Minister for Health David Davis today officially opened Stage 1 of the $24 million redevelopment of the North Richmond Community Health Centre.
At a special celebration for the health service's 17th annual Moonlantern Festival, Mr Davis said the redevelopment brings together many vital health services under one roof in North Richmond.
"This modern, purpose-built facility will provide the North Richmond community with an increased range of high quality community health services," Mr Davis said.
Kane Constructions was appointed as Construction Manager in late 2010 to deliver the new 3290 sq m facility which allows North Richmond Community Health to locate all its services on the one site.
The redevelopment includes a large dental clinic with state-of-the-art equipment, increasing the number of public dental chairs from three to seven.
"The new facility will deliver additional shared care programs with the Mercy Hospital for Women, such as ante and postnatal classes and an expansion of the general practice and drug safety programs," Mr Davis said.
"There will be additional child and family programs, mental health services and allied health services such as physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, counselling and social work.
"The project will also increase community facilities including community group rooms, a café and outdoor piazza."
Designed by award winning architects, Lyons, the facility has a distinctively civic feel due to its circular design and relationship to the surroundings with every effort being made to keep existing trees and vegetation.
Environmentally sustainable design features include mixed mode natural ventilation systems, highly efficient air conditioning and energy systems, future provision for rainwater collection and a bicycle storage area.
The project is being built in two stages to ensure the health service can remain operational and meet community needs.
Construction of Stage 2, which involves the demolition of the existing facility, started in July and is due for completion by August 2012.
