Arcadia House needs to be relocated as part of planning for the new Northside Hospital. The relocation will ensure the service can continue to operate while supporting the delivery of critical health infrastructure for the ACT.

Arcadia House is currently located in ageing facilities that are no longer fit for purpose. This provides an opportunity to deliver the service in a modern, community based setting that supports care close to home in a more welcoming, less clinical environment.

Arcadia House is an important and long-running service operated by Directions Health Services. Arcadia House provides residential and day programs for people seeking to abstain from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The programs focus on developing positive life skills to support personal goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Clients receive 24/7 support through individual case management, counselling and therapeutic groups. The service operates in a fully staffed, supervised setting with clear rules and expectations. All participants are carefully assessed before entry, and safety is a top priority.

Arcadia House does not need to be located on or near a hospital campus. The majority of alcohol and drug rehabilitation services in the ACT and across Australia are located in suburban neighbourhoods and operate successfully in these settings.

Arcadia House provides a voluntary service, and participants are typically highly motivated to make positive changes and abstain from alcohol and other drugs as part of their recovery journey. A residential setting can support this by offering a stable, community-based environment that reflects everyday living.

The Government is exploring two potential sites in the suburb of Cook for the possible relocation of Arcadia House. One option is on Templeton Street (Site A - Section 13, Block 1), while the other option is on the Corner of Eliis and Biffin Street (Site B - Section 13, Block 12).

The preference has always been to locate the service in a community-based facility in Canberra’s north and significant work has gone into seeking to identify an appropriate site.

A significant amount of work was undertaken to investigate a range of Government‑owned sites that could potentially accommodate the relocation of Arcadia House. Through this process, three sites were identified as suitable for further feasibility and due diligence assessment—two located in Cook and one in Spence.

However, the Spence site was subsequently ruled out at an early stage. Initial test-fit analysis identified a number of constraints, including limitations related to solar orientation, road connection, and parking, which meant it was no longer considered suitable.

Based on preliminary desktop analysis, the two Cook sites were then selected to progress to more detailed feasibility and due diligence investigations. These next stages include community engagement as a key component of the assessment process.

At this early stage, the size of the proposed facility is indicative only. The Functional Design Brief prepared as part of the recent open tender for a Design Consultant includes a preliminary Schedule of Accommodation of approximately 815.5 square metres.

It’s important to note that planning for the relocation of Arcadia House is still underway, and no final decisions have been made regarding the facility’s design or location. The current figures are intended to guide initial feasibility work and may evolve as the project progresses.

Cook has been identified as a potential location for further investigation following early planning work that considered a range of factors, including zoning, site conditions, and proximity to open space, transport and community services.

Two sites in Cook have been shortlisted for more detailed assessment as part of this process. No final site has been selected and further analysis and community feedback will help inform the preferred option.

The Government determined that the proposal for temporary relocation to Rivett would not proceed because it was clear there would be a longer conversation about respite on the site and it was not available for use by Arcadia House.

No final decision has been made. The relocation of Arcadia House is currently in the planning phase and community feedback is being considered as part of the consultation process. The ACT Government remains committed to working with Directions Health Services, stakeholders and the community to help inform the final location for the service.

The consultation process includes a 6-week public consultation period, including drop-in sessions, online engagement via YourSay and opportunities to provide written feedback.

Community drop-in sessions will be held at the Cook Community Hall on Thursday 11 June from 9.30am-12.30pm, and Wednesday 17 June from 1.30pm-4.30pm. The timing of the Cook community meeting was determined based on the availability of the Cook Community Hall, which limited the scheduling options. Following feedback already received, a third evening session is currently being explored.

The option for a third evening session is being explore and further information regarding date, time and location will be provided when available.

In addition to the face-to-face sessions, an online survey is available on the YourSay website until 16 July 2026 to ensure community members can provide input at a time that suits them. We are committed to offering a mix of engagement opportunities so as many people as possible can provide feedback.

The project is currently in the planning phase, with further feasibility and due diligence underway to help inform potential site selection.

At this early stage, we are seeking community input on how the existing sites and spaces are currently used, and what impact any future development may have. This type of local insight is extremely valuable — it helps us better understand day-to-day use, community needs, and any sensitivities that may not be evident through technical studies alone.

Local residents and users bring perspectives that we simply can’t obtain from other sources, and this feedback will play an important role in informing planning and decision-making as the project progresses.

The Request for Tender (RFT) is to engage a design consultant to undertake early planning, site investigation and feasibility work for a potential new Arcadia House facility. This includes assessing shortlisted sites, developing initial design options and preparing documentation to support a future planning application.

Importantly, no final decision has been made on the site or the development. This work is part of the early planning stages and will help inform future decisions, alongside ongoing community feedback.

Following the consultation period, all feedback will be reviewed and considered. A listening report will be prepared, summarising the key themes, questions and concerns raised by the community and will be published on the YourSay website once finalised.