A new £32 million mental health learning disability facility is being built in Preston.

The 14-bed specialist acute NHS mental health inpatient unit, named Water Meadow View, is set to open in autumn 2025 on the Guild Park site in Whittingham.

The facility, which will be the first of its kind in Lancashire and South Cumbria, will provide dedicated help and treatment for adults with a learning disability who require a mental health admission.

Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LSCft) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, October 7, to mark the start of the building work.

David Fillingham, Chris Oliver and Abigail Harrison breaking ground at the siteDavid Fillingham, Chris Oliver and Abigail Harrison breaking ground at the site (Image: Supplied)

LSCft’s chief executive, Chris Oliver, said: "One of our trust aims is to deliver the best possible care to our patients and this new inpatient unit will do just that.

"Water Meadow View will offer clinical excellence, support and safety, with patient-centred care at the heart.

"It’s great to see the building work is happening on this fantastic facility which will provide those with a learning disability who require a mental health admission a place to get the dedicated help and treatment they deserve, as there is no other specialist NHS offer like this within Lancashire and South Cumbria at present."

The building will be part of a £32m investment and its name, chosen in partnership with service users, reflects its picturesque surroundings which are ideal for mental health recovery.

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board’s chief nurse, Sarah O’Brien, added: "Water Meadow View will achieve just that for those people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who have a learning disability and require a mental health admission.

"It’s wonderful to see the building work is underway and we will continue to work closely with the trust as this work continues, as well as the work to develop the clinical model."