Plumstead Area Information

Plumstead at a glance

Plumstead at a Glance:

Bordered by the suburbs of Constantia, Wynberg and Bergvliet and the M5 expressway to the east, divided in two by the Main Road and the railway line, lies the quaint, leafy suburb of Plumstead. Owing to its tree-lined avenues and affordable family-sized homes, Plumstead is a multicultural suburb that has become highly sought-after by property investors, with several newly-developed apartment blocks, security cluster developments and retirement complexes springing up in the vicinity; Property in Plumstead is also attracting the attention of young buyers who are interested in purchasing and repurposing older homes for renovation. The railway station and nearby M5 and M3 expressways give Plumstead visitors and residents easy access to the rest of Cape Town, from the stunning beaches of False Bay to Cape Town's CBD and beyond. With the nearby Constantiaberg Mediclinic offering first-class medical assistance from trained professionals and several sports clubs populating the area, Plumstead is a bustling hub of activity, with residential properties in the area being desired by both the young and the old alike.

Brief History of the Area:

The history of Plumstead begins in 1762 when a significant portion of land beyond Wynberg and the Constantia Valley was granted to the free burghers Johan Barrens and Hendrick Jergens, who were Dutch settlers. The pair christened the land 'Rust' (Rest) and 'Werk' (Work). In 1782 the land was then granted to Hendrick Bouman Brigeraad. After the decline of the Dutch East India Company, the Cape was then occupied by the British. In 1807 an Englishman, Henry Batt arrived and bought 'Rust and Werk' and in the process renamed it Plumstead, after a district of London. He spent twenty-six years farming the area and then passed away in 1833, with the Plumstead farm being sub-divided and bought by Higgs, Southey, Loubscher and Messrs. In 1882 the Cape Town-Wynberg suburban railway reached Muizenberg and also included a railway station at Plumstead. Today, Plumstead is filled with homes built during the 1940s and 1950s, with its residents being a mix of elderly pensioners and young creatives who are purchasing older homes and transforming them into modern renditions.

Schools in the Area:

Plumstead is situated in proximity to several respected public and private schools.

Public schools in the area include:

• Timour Hall Primary School

Located at number 8 Timour Hall Road in Plumstead, lies Timour Hall Primary School, a co-educational public primary school whose mission is to offer up an engaging, nurturing and enriching learning environment focused on effective education. With their school motto of "Facta Non Verba" which translates from Latin to "Deeds Not Words" Timour Hall seeks to develop the full potential of each child through the cultivation and inspiration of positive self-esteem and independence. Timour Hall encourages active family participation in the educational process, believing the role of parents to be crucial in the growth and development of its student's education; Timour Hall also places a great emphasis on school pride, holding the firm belief that pride in one's uniform leads to pride in one's school and ultimately instils values of discipline and pride into the minds and hearts of its learners, standing them in good stead for their contribution and participation in modern society.

• Norman Henshilwood High School

Situated within walking distance of Plumstead and Wynberg and located along Constantia Main Road in Constantia, lies Norman Henshilwood High School, a co-educational public high school that endeavours to embrace the holistic development of its pupils. With the belief that education starts in the home, parental involvement is vital in the education process; Norman Henshilwood promotes a partnership-relationship with parents who enrol their children into the fold, inducting them into an active Parents' Association - a group of highly committed parents are in charge of the organization and facilitation of school fundraisers. Norman Henshilwood's modern campuses are equipped with some of the best facilities and resources, including extensive sports fields and also offers a wide array of extracurricular activities catering to both cultural and sporting activities. Norman Henshilwood holds the belief that all pupils deserve recognition, and endeavour to give students individual attention with the understanding that all pupils have different personalities, abilities and personal needs; This broadened base of recognition effectively prepares Norman Henshilwood students to take their place as contributing members in modern society.

• Wynberg Boys Junior School

Located just outside of Plumstead along Oxford Street in Wynberg, lies Wynberg Boys Junior School, one of the leading schools for boys in South Africa. In the pursuit of excellence, Wynberg Boys Junior strives to cultivate an environment of 'Continuous Learning and Teaching" meaning that not only will students develop an insatiable hunger for knowledge long after they have left the premises, but will be adeptly equipped to seek it out. As leaders in innovation, learning and teaching at Wynberg Boys Junior is aligned to meet the requirements of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) however there is also focus on the development of the 4 core competencies, Creativity, Critical thinking, Collaboration and Communication, otherwise known as The 4C's; The 4C's are recognised globally as the fundamental core skills needed to succeed in a professional environment. Apart from a rigorous academic curriculum, Wynberg Boys Junior offers an extensive and holistic culture programme which includes music, drama and art, all designed at developing and enriching the bodies and minds of its students. At its core, Wynberg Boys Junior School strives for excellence in all spheres, both in and outside of the classroom and endeavours to prepare its students to become intelligent and capable members in the modern society of today.

• Wynberg Boys High School

Located just outside Plumstead along Lovers Walk in Wynberg, lies the famed Wynberg Boys High School. As one of the oldest and most respected traditional schools in the country for young men, Wynberg Boys High celebrates diversity and encourages community in an accepting environment, promoting the achievement of excellence in all spheres of school life, including culture, service, sport and academics. With enthusiastic staff who are committed to constant growth and progress, Wynberg Boys High School works closely with local and international universities, benchmarking the quality of their academic education and making constant improvements, so that they can produce intelligent and capable learners who will go on to become contributing members in modern society.

• Wynberg Girls Junior School

Located just outside Plumstead along Aliwal Road in Wynberg, lies Wynberg Girls Junior School, rated as one of the highest performing all-girls schools in the country. Wynberg Girls Junior endeavours to deliver a holistic, well-rounded education that is of the highest standard, in an engaging and dynamic learning environment. Apart from robust academics, Wynberg Girls Junior also promotes camps, outings and excursions as part of their curriculum, designed at adding value and overall enrichment to the minds and bodies of students; Life Skills are also offered for each grade to encourage responsible and healthy decision making. At its core, Wynberg Girls Junior School provides more than just an academic education, aspiring to shape its girls into independent, creative, inquisitive, resilient and confident beings that are more than capable of handling the challenges of modern society.

• Wynberg Girls High School

Located just outside Plumstead along Aliwal Road in Wynberg, lies the esteemed Wynberg Girls High School; Boasting many great facilities, including an Astroturf Complex, a multi-purpose swimming pool, a fully-sprung Ballet Hall and Computer Laboratories among others; Wynberg Girls High endeavours to provide its girls with a wealth of opportunities in four foundational pillars of education: culture, sport, service and academics. By fostering friendships across the different grades through extracurricular activity programmes and the House and Tutor Group systems, Wynberg Girls High aims to create a community-centred learning environment for its students. Ultimately, Wynberg Girls High School aims to encourage the development of unique, confident women who continually strive for excellence in all spheres of learning, preparing them to take their place among successful, contributing members of future society.

Private schools in the area include:

• Oakley House Preparatory School

Located at number 99 Main Road in Plumstead, lies Oakley House, a co-educational private school that endeavours to make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents who struggle with learning difficulties that include - dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dyslexia, ADHD, motor difficulties, speech and language delays, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and other special needs. Oakley House was founded on the belief that every child can learn, albeit in a different way and are entitled to an inspiring educational environment with teaching methods tailored to optimise their best way of learning and understanding. With the inception of their Training and Support Centre in 2017, Oakley House is excited at the possibilities of their specialised training programmes aimed at education in the fields of special needs teaching; With best practices in the classroom, Oakley House can guarantee that learners receive tutoring from the best possible educators, ensuring they can reach their full potential and are prepared to become successful, participating adults, adept at handling the constant challenges of modern society.

• Springfield Convent School (for Girls)

Located just outside Plumstead along St Johns Road in Wynberg, lies the renowned Springfield Convent School, one of the leading all-girls schools in Cape Town. As a private school that caters to pre-primary, primary and secondary schooling levels, Springfield Convent School values the individuality of each of its students, fostering growth and helping each girl to reach their full potential. By offering up a quality education that seeks to uphold values of inclusivity and individuality, Springfield Convent School endeavours to enrich its students - physically, spiritually, socially and intellectually, ensuring they can take their place as contributing members in modern society.

Shopping Centres:

Plumstead is situated close to several shopping centres in and around the area, including the Checkers Centre in Plumstead, located adjacent to Cecil Road and Main Roads in Plumstead, which is anchored by a massive Checkers store. The Checkers Centre is surrounded by several other stores, including a PEP Clothing Store, Cash Crusaders, Neil's Wheels, Roman's Pizza, Gonzo's Pool Bar & Lounge and several other stores. The Checkers Centre can adequately cover any basic shopping needs you may have. For those looking for an alternative shopping destination, the Plumstead Pick N Pay Family Centre, located just up the road at number 29 Gabriel Road is the place to do so; Anchored by a large Pick N Pay store (which includes a Pick N Pay Clothing and even a Pick N Pay Liquor just across the way) the centre also houses a Kidz-A- Peal toy store and for those looking to grab a bite to eat, Steers, KFC and the Dulce's Café have you covered. Those looking to undertake more significant shopping ventures or indulge in upmarket retail therapy should look no further than the newly established Constantia Emporium, located along the corner of Ladies Mile and the M3 in Constantia. With 24-hour security, free parking near to entrances, car charging facilities for electric vehicles and facilities available for disabled guests, The Constantia Emporium offers its customers certain peace of mind during their frequent retail visits. The Constantia Emporium offers the ultimate sophisticated shopping centre experience, with an extensive mix of 26 stores spread out over two levels, being anchored by big-name brand stores like Checkers, Clicks and Woolworths. Other popular stores include The Creamery, Knead, Absolute Pets, Edge for Men and Frozen For You - the new specialists in premium quality ready-made meals. The Constantia Emporium places significant emphasis on the wellbeing and safety of its patrons and store employees, continuously working with leading security experts to identify the latest crime trends and security threats to ensure they are prepared to handle any situation, should it arise. For those residing in or passing through the Constantia area, a trip to the Constantia Emporium is a retail experience that is not to be missed out on.

Distance from Key Points:

Plumstead is situated in proximity to several key locations, including a brief 1km drive to the nearby Plumstead train station, which gives visitors and residents easy access to the rest of Cape Town and the CBD. The Cape Town International Airport is only a 21km drive (or Uber ride) from Plumstead.

Restaurants/Entertainment:

• Pirates Steakhouse & Pub

Located at number 160 Main Road in Plumstead lies the fabled Pirates Steakhouse & Pub, which offers its patrons some of the finest steaks in the south; Beautifully decorated and equipped with big-screen TV's for sports viewing, daily live bands and music acts, Pirates offers up a combination of friendly staff and unpretentious atmosphere with a focus on serving high-quality food at an affordable price. Specialising in top-quality steaks, ribs and burgers, Pirates also caters for vegetarians and children, with menu favourites including Aunt Millie's Fillet Steak, Blackbeard's Rump Steak, the Vegetarian Black Mushroom Burger, Camembert Veg Plate and many others. Those looking for an easy-going, relaxed venue to enjoy excellent food in the company of family or friends should look no further than Pirates Steakhouse & Pub.

• Italian Kitchen

Located just outside Plumstead along Kendal Road in Diep River, lies the Italian Kitchen, a simple and unassuming little restaurant that surprises its patrons with delicious food and friendly, efficient service. Despite offering a varied menu of Italian, seafood and steak, the Italian Kitchen lives up to its name, delivering on some of the greatest pasta and pizza in Cape Town. Menu favourites include the Meaty Pizza, Creamy Prawn Pasta, Carbonara, Calamari and their famously decadent Ice Cream Cake. The Italian Kitchen is a hidden gem in the heart of Diep River and is an experience that should not be missed out on.

• Jack Black Brewing Company

Located just outside Plumstead at number 10 Brigid Road in Diep River, lies the famed Jack Black Brewing Company (owned by founding partners Ross and Meghan McCulloch) which produces some of South Africa's most loved and sought-after craft beers. With an emphasis on innovation and distinctive quality, beer at Jack Black Brewing Company is crafted from the finest natural ingredients available at their state-of-the-art Cape Town craft brewery, focusing on flavour with a philosophy of balance between innovation and the traditional hand-crafted method to create beers that inspire. Jack Black Brewing Company is a family-owned business that endeavours to brew some of the highest quality and best-tasting beers in Africa. Menu favourites include the Pulled Pork Burrito, "The Dawg" hotdog and the Happy Halloumi Burger, while available craft beers include the Cape Pale Ale, Butcher's Block, Atlantic Weiss and many more. For those residing in or passing through the area, a stop at the Jack Black Brewing Company will not leave you disappointed.

Special Attractions:

• Martins Bakery

Located just outside Plumstead at number 43 Main Road in Diep River, lies Martins Bakery, a European-style bakery that combines the ideas of a coffee shop and contemporary deli, constantly filled with the fresh aroma of baked delights to tempt the senses. Originally established in 1970 by Firmino Martins and formerly known as the "Steurhof café" a local convenience store, the bakery was eventually succeeded by John Martins, who followed in his father's footsteps and continued his legacy by opening a bakery division in 1983. When the business began to boom John resigned from his day job as manager of the Bank of Lisbon and followed his passion, now working with his wife Teresa. The bakery offers a delicious mix of healthy, home-made goods as well as sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat-free and banting products; From scrumptious farm-style breakfasts and lunches to a vast selection of cakes and baked goods, Martins Bakery still endeavours to do what it does best - which is to bake non-commercial, home-made bread with no preservatives using traditional techniques; Martins Bakery is the perfect choice for those looking to maintain a good healthy lifestyle while still enjoying a decadent treat now and then.

• The Doordrift Walk

The Doordrift Walk is an easy half-hour walk that is perfect for an early morning walk or an after-work stroll; As a combination of a few other trails, beginning with the Alphen Trail, it then merges into the Diep River Trail and takes you under the M3, trailing down past Norman Henshilwood School and coming to an end at Doordrift Road. Along the way, you can take in the magnificent river with many small bridges and the Le Sueur Meadow on the Hohenort side of the trail. The trail also includes raised boardwalks through the wetland areas, with reeds and bulrushes gathering from either side. This route can also be taken in reverse, with parking available at both ends of the walk; No hiking shoes are required for this walk.