The new facility will accommodate a small number of high-needs, high-risk young people in a secure, therapeutic environment.
These young people are among the most vulnerable in our community and the new facility will provide for better intervention and greater stability to assist their rehabilitation and reintegration.
What’s happening
- Stage 1 - Car park works are currently underway.
- Stage 2 - Preliminary works will begin in mid-2026 and include site clearing, supporting infrastructure, new car parking and new site road access from Nicholson Road.
- These works will prepare the site for construction of the new facility.
- Tender for major construction works set to open soon.
What the new facility will deliver
- A purpose-built, high-security, therapeutic facility for high-needs and high-risk young people.
- Improved conditions at Banksia Hill, to allow a stronger focus on providing evidence-based and trauma informed intervention and education.
- Enhanced workplace safety and security for Youth Custodial Officers and other staff at both facilities.
Managing construction impacts
Every effort will be made to minimise construction impacts on the local community.
Residents, businesses and road users will be kept informed about upcoming construction activities.
All works will be carried out in accordance with the project’s approved management plans.
These will ensure appropriate traffic management, noise and vibration control is maintained during the works.
Standard construction hours are 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Project Team will work closely with the local Council to manage dust, noise and traffic and to maintain safe access for local residents.
Staying informed
A project Factsheet and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is available on this page before works commence, with ongoing updates provided online and through letter drops as the project progresses.
To register your interest to receive project updates or to ask questions, contact the Project Team at nydf@slrconsulting.com.
We appreciate your support as we deliver this important project for the Western Australian community.
Community Reference Group
A Community Reference Group (CRG) will be established as part of the project. Information on how to express interest will be added here once finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Show moreWhy is a new youth detention facility needed?
Banksia Hill Detention Centre (BHDC) was not designed to accommodate the small cohort of high-risk, high-needs young people who have caused significant disruption and safety concerns.
The new facility will provide a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment tailored to this cohort, improving safety for staff and detainees and enabling Unit 18 to return to the adult estate.
Where will the new facility be located?
The facility will be co-located within the existing Banksia Hill precinct in Canning Vale, adjacent to BHDC.
This location allows operational efficiencies, shared services, and streamlined staffing while maintaining separation for high-risk detainees.
How many beds will the new facility have?
The facility will have 30 beds – 26 general purpose and 4 at-risk – arranged in small clusters to allow flexibility for cohort separation and intensive supervision.
What will the facility include?
Key features include:
- Secure accommodation units designed for trauma-informed care.
- Education and program spaces to deliver six hours of education daily.
- Dedicated medical and mental health facilities.
- Cultural healing areas for Aboriginal young people.
- A refurbished gatehouse with a new sallyport for secure movements.
- Secure outdoor recreation areas.
How does the design support rehabilitation?
The design incorporates trauma-informed principles, cultural safety, and therapeutic spaces. It enables structured days with education, programs, and health services, fostering stability and reducing reoffending.
Lessons from contemporary facilities across the country have informed the design.
What is the timeline for delivery?
We are going to market in November 2025 for an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) procurement process. This will inform delivery timeframes.
Practical completion is currently targeted for 2028, subject to market responses.
How much will the project cost?
The approved budget is $147 million, in addition to the 11.5 million already allocated which includes detailed planning, early project works, design and construction.
How will the facility improve safety?
The new facility will:
- Reduce critical incidents by separating high-risk detainees.
- Provide robust infrastructure to withstand damage.
- Enable 1:1 or higher staff-to-young person ratios.
- Incorporate advanced security systems alongside therapeutic design.
What happens to Unit 18?
Unit 18 will remain operational until the new facility is complete.
Once the new facility opens, Unit 18 will be returned to the adult male custodial estate, restoring 128 beds urgently needed for adult prisoners.
How does this project respond to the Cleveland Dodd tragedy?
The new facility addresses key issues raised in the inquest, including improved observation, mental health care, and culturally safe environments.
Will the new facility increase staffing?
Yes. The operating model requires intensive staffing to deliver trauma-informed care, with flexibility for ratios of 1:1 or higher.
Additional roles include health professionals, educators, and Aboriginal Youth Support Officers.
How will the community be engaged?
The project included an Aboriginal Engagement Strategy and community consultation during the design phase.
Cultural safety is a core principle, with dedicated spaces and programs for Aboriginal young people.
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