Not-for-profit ECH has paid a confidential amount for the empty Tiffins on the Park hotel in Adelaide, which could become home to a vertical retirement village up to seven storeys high.

The provider already owns a large part of the site between George and Anglo Street, which has ECH’s headquarters and five apartments onsite.

They now plan to knock down the 50-room hotel and develop a masterplan for the site that that will serve its members in the Eastern suburbs, inner south and CBD within 12 months which is zoned for developments up to seven storeys high.

“ECH is excited about the future of this site, which is an attractive location for a new hub because of its close access to transport, retail and medical and community facilities,” ECH Chief Executive David Panter said.

While it’s unknown how many apartments will be built on the site, each two-bedroom apartment will be about 100sqm, well above the CBD average of around 70sqm, in keeping with ECH’s model of independent living for older South Australians.

“The site will also feature a Wellness Centre that will be available to members of the public,” Mr Panter added.

ECH supports 15,000 South Australians through its 100 retirement village, four Wellness Centres, social programs and at-home services.