WORDS: EMILY SHAW IMAGES: TER HOLLMANN & GOOGLE MAPS
Those who know Rosebank well are passionate about it and are real authorities on the area. Clair Wright has been frequenting Rosebank and its surrounding suburbs for close to eight years. As a busy 35-year-old key account manager, it’s important to her to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in young and trendy Joburg, but also to have the convenience of close-by amenities.
Property
“Rosebank is known mainly for its stylish, modern apartment living, which is ideal for young up-and-comers. Although it used to have individual residences, it’s now a mix of older blocks of spacious flats and luxury modern places. Historic buildings such as the old fire station remain, and are surrounded by all the glass and steel office blocks that have been built,” Clair says.
She also makes special mention of the eco award-winning offices. “It gives me hope that the world can do better with eco-friendly architecture that both looks good and does good.”
In many ways, Rosebank is the central point of the well-established neighbourhoods that surround it.
As a result, the creativity and productivity of the businesses which have expanded in this core create a magnetic pull that keeps residents from all around pouring in. The effect is a fabulous common ground for professionals, exciting activations and true personalised convenience.
Schools
In keeping with its promise of convenience, Rosebank gives ideal access to great schools for those who live in or near the area. Kingsmead College is right in the centre of the suburb opposite the Gautrain station and offers girls private education. St Theresa’s is another private school option close by and little ones are catered to by the highly-rated Rosebank Primary.
Nearby options include Pridwin Preparatory School and Craighall Park Primary, as well as all of the Park offerings including Parktown Boys High, Parktown High School for Girls and Parkview Junior School, an institute focussed specifically on the foundation grades of R to 3.
Explore
“I rely on Rosebank for a few things that are essential to me. As a meeting spot for my friends and I, it gives me a space to check in with the people who matter most to me. As it’s surrounded by chiefly residential suburbs, it provides a wide variety of places to shop for clothing, fresh food, decor, and other essentials.”
This convenience of which Clair speaks includes easy access to gyms, shopping malls, the Gautrain, hop-on-hop-off bus terminals, a plethora of art galleries, boutique furniture and clothing stores.
Of all the boxes Rosebank ticks though, it has to be the entertainment offering that really makes the suburb famous. “I love Saigon Suzy for their Asian-inspired cuisine served in multiple small dishes. It’s my favourite way to eat as you get to sample so many different tastes and flavours. I love the quirky charm of its decor featuring hundreds of upturned parasols and intricate murals on the walls,” Clair says.
The acclaimed restaurant Marble is also situated here, owned and run by celeb-chef David Higgs. It’s ostensibly an open flame steakhouse, but with the high-end dining fl air its owner is known for. It’s a great choice for anniversaries, celebrations and special birthdays.
If you’re looking for something to do before (or after) dinner, you’re in the right spot. Clair favours A Street Bar Named Desire for a cocktail in the early evening. “The expansive upper deck has a great panoramic view of the suburb. Sunsets in the evening are particularly special!”
In addition, the nationwide First Thursdays concept comes to life once a month on the Keyes Art Mile, where the many art galleries in the area (Circa, Everard Read, Goodman and more) collaborate with the local restaurants and bars for an open night of viewing art and socialising.
With your every need seen to from a day-to-day perspective, great schools around the corner, a bustling social landscape to keep your city-loving spirits high, and a skyline of beautifully contrasting architecture, Rosebank offers a strong, urban energy that’s totally irresistible.
”Rosebank offers a complete solution for a busy, driven business person to live with convenience while still enjoying the lush tree-lined streets Joburg is known for” CLAIR WRIGHT, ROSEBANK LOVER
EXPERIENCE
- First Thursdays: art, drinks and dinner any way you like it on the first Thursday of every month
- Rosebank Sunday Market: excellent weekend activity for out-of-towners or for locals if you’re interested in a bit of lazy browsing
- The Goodman Gallery (or any of the galleries on the Keyes Art Mile): Enjoy both local and international art in sumptuous settings
EAT
- BGR: Incredible burgers, American diner style
- Coalition Pizza: arguably the best pizza in Joburg
- Fishmonger: an institution in the landmark Firs retail centre
CONVENIENCE
- The Zone: everything you might need from Woolies to movies to boutiques and specialists
- Gautrain: easy access to OR Tambo International or straight to Pretoria
- Netcare Rosebank Hospital: close to Rosebank Mall and walking distance from the Gautrain
