A new vision for retirement living in Rose Park responds to community feedback while advancing urgently needed housing and care for older South Australians.
ACH Group has lodged revised plans with the State Commission Assessment Panel for a contemporary retirement living community on Fullarton Road, Rose Park, reaffirming its commitment to investing in the housing, care and support older South Australians need.
The reimagined proposal reflects feedback received through the previous planning process, with significant changes including a reduced overall building height, now comparable with the nearby former Queen Victoria Hospital building, 15% fewer apartments and a staggered setback that creates a gentler interface with the surrounding neighbourhood. Plans also maintain ACH Group’s commitment to retain and restore the local heritage listed Vasey House.
ACH Group Chief Executive Officer Linda Feldt said the revised proposal reflects the urgent need to increase housing and care options for older South Australians.
“South Australia is facing significant and growing pressure across housing, hospitals and aged care. As a not-for-profit guided by our purpose of supporting older people to live good lives, ACH Group is committed to being part of the solution,” Ms Feldt said.
“We have listened, reflected and acted, making significant changes to our proposal while retaining its fundamental purpose: providing contemporary, age-appropriate housing that supports older South Australians to remain independent, connected and well.”
Artist impression of revised plans for 141 Fullarton Rd, Rose Park
Together with ACH Group’s confirmed investment in a new 150-place residential care home at Dover Gardens, the 61 apartments proposed at the revised $124 million Rose Park retirement-living community will help expand housing options and care options for older South Australians.
ACH Group has worked closely with the 3 war widows and other residents, providing personalised support to help each person identify and transition to a new home that reflected their individual needs and preferences. All residents have now moved into their new homes.
“Our priority throughout has been the wellbeing of the 3 war widows and other residents who previously lived at the Rose Park location. We have listened to what matters to each person and over the last 2 years worked respectfully with them and their families to support their move, and transition into their new homes,” Ms Feldt said.
The revised Rose Park plans reaffirm ACH Group’s commitment to the War Widows’ legacy through the retention and restoration of the local heritage-listed Vasey House, preserving its connection to Jessie Vasey and the former War Widows’ Guild of South Australia, now represented by the Families of Veterans Guild.
ACH Group is also continuing its longstanding support for war widows through a new co-designed meeting hall at Janet Mayo House in Rose Park. Named in honour of pioneering war widow and tireless advocate Janet Mayo, the new meeting hall provides a warm, dedicated space where members and families can meet and connect.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the War Widows’ legacy through the restoration of local heritage-listed Vasey House and the co-designed and newly established meeting hall at Janet Mayo House. Together, these initiatives honour the contribution of South Australia’s war widows and help ensure their legacy continues for future generations,” Ms Feldt said.
ACH Group remains committed to deliver much-needed, age-appropriate housing, expanding choice for older South Australians amid growing pressure across housing, aged care and health.
“ACH Group is one of the few aged care providers currently developing new residential aged care places to help meet the urgent demand in South Australia. The Rose Park development is critical to our ability to continue offering supported places and investing in new residential care capacity,” Ms Feldt said.