New mental health unit plan for Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital
A new 32-bed residential mental health unit is to be built on a car park opposite Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital, after city planners gave the go-ahead this week.
The site, on Wolverhampton Road, Heath Town, was previously part of New Cross Villa farm complex before becoming an engineering works. Buildings on the land were removed between 2011 and 2018 and it has been mainly used for parking ever since.
A statement issued alongside the application – made by Cygnet Health Care – said the new building had been designed to provide mental health care “in the best possible setting” and would also include 43 parking spaces.
“Cygnet was established in 1988, and since then the company have developed a wide range of services for individuals with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities within the UK – including in the West Midlands,” it said.
“The company employs 10,000 dedicated employees over 150 services, who work consistently to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of individuals through service user-focused care and rehabilitation.
“Cygnet have built a reputation for delivering pioneering services and outstanding outcomes for the individuals in their care and are supported by NHS England and local social care services.”
The proposed facility, approximately 2.5km outside the city centre, will be part two-storey and part three- storey with a 15-bed ward on the ground floor and a 17-bed ward on the first floor. The surrounding built-up area is a mix of industrial, retail, residential and leisure facilities, bordering the Wyrley and Essington canal.
