New Flinders St health hub to open later this year

A new community health hub aimed at supporting some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people is expected to open on Flinders St later this year, as the state government continues to roll out its response to drug harm in the CBD.

The Flinders Street Community Health Hub at 244 Flinders St will be operated by cohealth and is expected to open by the end of 2026.

The service has been described as a health-led model designed to help people experiencing complex health and social challenges, including substance use, homelessness, mental health issues and other needs, who may not be well connected to regular care.

It follows the state government’s decision not to proceed with a supervised injecting room in the CBD, despite the former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Ken Lay recommending one as part of his review into Victoria’s drug response.

Instead, the government committed to a broader Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harms, including the new Flinders St hub, expanded outreach, treatment and care coordination.

While the facility will not operate as a supervised injecting room, it is intended to provide a central access point for people who need earlier and more integrated support in the heart of the city.

Cohealth said the hub would connect people in Melbourne’s CBD to healthcare and practical help, with dedicated professionals providing care coordination, drop-in access, alcohol and other drug services, counselling and outreach.

The service is also expected to include harm reduction, mental health, drug treatment, case management and practical amenities such as kitchen, laundry and shower facilities.

In a community update posted this month, cohealth said health-based services such as the hub could reduce drug harms by connecting people with the right treatment and support.

“Cohealth has a long history of supporting people with complex health needs, including delivering specialised alcohol and other drug services in the community,” the organisation said.

“We provide compassionate, non-judgemental and culturally safe care, connecting people to health and social support they need.”

The hub is expected to be closely watched by CBD residents and traders, particularly given long-running concerns about public drug use, rough sleeping, safety and amenity around parts of the central city.

Authorities say the service has been designed to minimise disruption to the surrounding area, with entry and internal waiting areas structured to prevent queuing or gathering in public spaces. Service users will access the hub via Flinders St only.

A CBD Reference Group, including council, trader and resident representatives, has been established to support ongoing coordination and information sharing.

Further community engagement is also expected in coming weeks, including flyers distributed to nearby addresses and door-knocking by cohealth representatives to provide information and answer questions from local residents and businesses.

The hub forms part of the government’s $95 million Statewide Action Plan, which was launched following the Lay review and includes measures aimed at expanding treatment, outreach and harm reduction across Victoria.

Questions about the hub can be directed to [email protected].