A NEW £11m state-of-the-art centre for young people with mental health problems is about to open.

The adolescent inpatient facility is weeks away from opening at the Warneford Hospital site, in Headington.

Doctors said the new secure Highfield Unit Oxford would offer unrivalled care.

Members of the United Oxford Hospitals Cricket Club fought the development, on the site of a century-old cricket pitch, but Oxford City Council unanimously backed the plans .

The psychiatric unit will provide 18 inpatient mental health services for young people aged 11 to 18 with a range of conditions, from emotional and eating disorders to psychoses.

Some of the patients will be detained under the Mental Health Act – “sectioned” – but some will be voluntary.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Anthony James said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening this new unit in a few weeks’ time.

“It offers outstanding facilities, probably the best in the country for helping young people with acute mental health needs to rebuild their lives.

“Young people have been involved in every stage of the design and development of the new unit and we are all looking forward to working together within this marvellous building.”