in 1939 plans were proposed for the construction of a new physical treatment block at claremont mental hospital. work was carried out by the public works department under the direction of the principal architect, albert ernest (paddy) clare. this building, known originally as the "treatment block" (now known as gascoyne house), comprised two wings of wards at right angles with associated bathroom, lavatory, treatment and recreation areas with a central administration area constructed to bisect the two wings on the diagonal. the building was constructed at an estimated cost of £26,500.