Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board to build a new £20 million mental health unit in Bristol for people across the northern half of the south west region with a learning disability or autism.

It will be able to support up to 10 patients at any time, with the building specifically intended for those whose needs cannot be met by existing hospital or community-based services. With completion set for 2025, the unit will help keep people much closer to home and reduce the need for patients to be admitted to facilities far away from their family and friends.

Ben Stunnel is an autism peer mentor whose lived experience, along with that of others with the condition, helped to influence the design of the new build. He said:

"It has been very rewarding and confidence building to have our thoughts and ideas listened to and it will be very exciting to see the building going up and taking shape knowing that we've contributed so much. I really hope that in future many people and families will benefit from what this new building can offer.”

The new Bristol unit will be run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and complements another similar facility currently under construction in Devon.

Laura Ambler, Executive Lead for Learning Disabilities and Autism, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board:

“When fully open in 2025, this site will be a fantastic addition to our existing mental health services, and I know from speaking with local people that having something like this based in our region will make an enormous difference to those who may have otherwise needed to have travelled significant distances for the right care and treatment.”

David Jarrett, Chief Delivery Officer, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board:

“It is fantastic to see work starting on this much needed facility. Its development demonstrates our shared dedication to delivering specialised, compassionate care that meets the unique needs of local people, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve."

Willmott Dixon was procured under the P23 framework, and is working with Ryder Architecture, Edmond Shipway & Partners and Hydrock Consultants as part of its wider team. Director of Operations Robert Woolcock said:

“We are delighted to be chosen to deliver the new mental health unit in Bristol through the P23 framework, and to be part of this new chapter for mental health services in in the region.”