A significant landmark across Tamworth’s skyline for almost a year will be farewelled this weekend.
Known as ‘Lofty’, the 31-metre-high tower crane, which supported construction for the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, is due to be dismantled and removed on Saturday.
Health Infrastructure Executive Director Rural and Regional, Amanda Bock said Lofty had played a key role supporting construction of the mental health unit, which would significantly enhance health services for the region.
“The tower crane has been pivotal to the construction of the new three-storey mental health unit, handling much of the heavy lifting for the building, which recently reached its highest point,” Ms Bock said.
“While it will be a fond farewell for ‘Lofty’, the focus of construction has progressed to the internal fit-out and exterior works.”
The crane, which has a 60-metre horizontal arm for lifting heavy components, will be dismantled using a mobile crane, with sections loaded onto heavy vehicles ready for departure by road from Tamworth.
The crane also played a prominent role in colouring-in and naming competitions last year, engaging primary school students and the wider Tamworth community.
Meanwhile, enhanced mental health care is just around the corner for Tamworth thanks to a major construction milestone, with the three-storey building structure of the new unit now complete.
The elevated, modern unit includes a new bridge which will provide a direct connection between the inpatient floor of the new facility and the Tamworth Hospital building.
The 23-metre-long bridge was built off-site, assembled at the hospital campus and craned into position in three sections. Once operational, it will make it safer and easier for people to receive enhanced, integrated care.
With structural works complete the project team will continue the internal fit-out, services installation and exterior works.
Construction is on track for completion by the end of the year, with staff expected to move in early in 2026.
Hunter New England Local Health District Acting Executive Director, Infrastructure, Planning & Sustainability, Anna Styles-Tape, said it was exciting for staff and the community to see construction of the new unit nearing completion.
“The new Tamworth Mental Health Unit will provide enhanced mental health services and modern facilities for our community and deliver welcoming, safe and supportive care,” Ms Styles-Tape said.
“The new Tamworth Mental Health Unit is on schedule to be completed by the end of this year.”
