Rosebank Area Information

Rosebank at a glance

Positioned beneath the lower eastern slopes of Devil's Peak and nestled between the neighbouring suburbs of Rondebosch and Mowbray, lies the gorgeous green suburb of Rosebank. Primarily a residential suburb, Rosebank offers residents the spice of variety, with a few Herbert Baker properties scattered between beautifully restored classic Victorian homes and affordable blocks of flats. The suburb has also recently seen the development of several B&B's and sectional title developments, primarily functioning as university residences for the growing number of students who reside in the area while attending the prestigious University of Cape Town (UCT). The renowned Liesbeek River creates a direct thoroughfare through the area that reaches to the edge of the Rondebosch Common, resulting in the creation of a popular green belt which only enhances the natural beauty of the suburb and is regularly frequented by locals and dog walkers alike. Bounded to the west by the M3 freeway, Rosebank gives its residents easy access to Cape Town's CBD, UCT, Groote Schuur Hospital, Newlands Cricket Grounds, The Baxter Theatre and the Newlands Brewery. The latter is famed as being the 'cradle of clear-beer brewing' and one of the oldest functioning commercial breweries in the whole of South Africa. Offering the ideal experience of affordable upmarket living that is close enough to the CBD to make the regular commute manageable, while still being sufficiently removed from the bustle of city life, it leaves no surprise as to why residential properties in the Rosebank area are highly sought-after. 

Brief History of the Area: 

The history of Rosebank begins in 1657 when several free burghers, under the leadership of Steven Bothma, were granted land on the slopes of Table Mountain by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Steven Bothma then established a farm on this land which he christened 'Welgelegen' and after his death the estate changed hands several times until 1756 when it became the property of Jacob van Reenen. The original house was also subsequently altered by Herbert Baker who rebuilt it in a pseudo-Cape Dutch-style around this time. Jacob van Reenen was a wealthy man who married twice and produced 14 children, including his son Gysbert van Reenen, who would later inherit the Welgelegen farm in 1794; It is believed that he built a large mill on the premises 2 years later in 1796. After Gysbert's death in 1827, his son-in-law Sybrand Jacobus Mostert took over the farm and the large mill became known as Mostert's Mill. The area surrounding the farm (and mill) became known as Rosebank and the railway line from Salt River reached Rosebank in 1864. By 1873 the mill ceased functioning, however, it remained in the family until it was sold off to S.J. Wilks in 1889. In 1901 it was then bought by Cecil John Rhodes who was purchasing other farms to consolidate into his Groote Schuur estate, by this point all farming had ceased as a result of the phylloxera epidemic present in the Cape at the time. The farm Welgelegen (including Mostert's Mill) and other properties of Cecil John Rhodes were bequeathed to the South African nation following his untimely death in 1902, with his will becoming a Private Act of Parliament in 1910 and by 1980 the farm was declared a National Monument. Today the farm forms part of the property of the University of Cape Town, with Rosebank acting as one of the main student hubs of Cape Town, with the majority of residents in the area attending UCT.

Schools in the Area:

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

Public schools in the area include:

• Rustenburg Girls High School

Located at number 44 Campground Road in Rosebank, lies Rustenburg Girls High School, an all-girls public school with over 12 decades of experience. Through the combined efforts of teachers, parents and learners, Rustenburg Girls High seeks to provide an enquiring, diverse and supportive environment; Adeptly equipping its learners with the cultural, sporting, academic and service foundations required to succeed in life after school. Rustenburg Girls High endeavours to push its students to continually strive for excellence in all spheres of life by providing a broad education that not only focuses on the academic curriculum but also on the personal intricacies of each learner as an individual. The size of classes at Rustenburg Girls High are conducive to optimal learning, while a full staff roster of 55 teachers and part-time subject specialists ensure the highest quality academic support. At its core, Rustenburg Girls High School promotes individuality and excellence, ultimately preparing its learners to take their place among intelligent, successful and contributing members in modern society. 

Private schools in the area include:

• Rosebank Progress College

Located along Main Road in the suburb that shares its name, lies Rosebank Progress College, a co-educational private high school that is the result of a merger between two of the finest leading private education institutions in Cape Town, Damelin College and Progress College. Now with more than 75 years of combined academic experience and excellence, the college offers students an exceptional education at a fair cost. Rosebank Progress College aims to foster values of integrity, self-discipline and self-confidence in its students while embracing creativity, encouraging teamwork and enhancing communication skills. With small classes that allow individual attention and a forward-thinking mentality that supports student's ambitions in and outside of the classroom, the staff at Rosebank Progress College are committed to assisting students in becoming well-rounded, intelligent individuals. Rosebank Progress College offers its students a range of standard subjects in combination with an array of non-conventional extra subjects, with the goal of developing students' minds to their full potential - these subjects include Tourism, French, Portuguese, Computer Application & Technology as well as Design & Visual Art. Rosebank Progress College seeks to provide a welcoming, secure and friendly environment that encourages respect and sensitivity amongst its staff and students, fostering a sense of belonging and ultimately academic and individual success.

Shopping Centres:

Rosebank is situated in proximity to several popular shopping centres, including the Rondebosch Main Shopping Centre which is situated just outside of Rosebank on Main Road nearby the UCT campus. The Rondebosch Main shopping centre offers its patrons a large variety of stores, including Clicks, Kauai, Nedbank and Pick 'n Pay as well as fast food outlets such as Nando's, McDonald's and KFC. With covered, secure parking spaces available, the Rondebosch Main Shopping centre is the utmost convenience option for those looking to make a quick bite to eat or a few essentials on the way home. Another popular shopping centre in the Rosebank vicinity, the Riverside Mall, is located just outside Rosebank on the corner of Belmont & Main Roads in Rondebosch. With its recent refurbishment valued at R16-million, which included the installation of new ceilings, flooring, lighting, wider escalators and revamped public toilets which now incorporate baby changing facilities and accommodate disabled persons; The Riverside Mall now offers its patrons a renewed and convenient residential shopping experience. Anchored by Checkers, FNB, Absa and Standard Bank, the mall also houses a myriad of specialised stores including Danneberg Optometrist, Vitacare Pharmacy, Lightsail Education, The Italian Art Shop, Sure 2 Travel (Travel Agency) and even our Rondebosch Seeff Branch. With ample parking available that is free for the first hour, and even an eco-friendly car wash service, the Riverside Mall caters to the essential needs of its patrons and is the ideal place for some well-earned retail therapy.

Distance from Key Points: 

Rosebank is situated in proximity to several key locations, including a quick 1km drive to the nearby Rosebank 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 14km drive (or Uber ride) from Rosebank.  

Restaurants/Entertainment: 

• Al's Place 

Situated just outside of Rosebank at number 24 Station Road in Rondebosch, lies the renowned Al's Place; An ever-popular restaurant that has made a name for itself the Rondebosch restaurant scene and is owned and run by award-winning chef Alan "Al" Tavares, who has over 30 years experienced in the restaurant industry. Al's Place is a cosy venue that provides its patrons with a premium restaurant experience, with Alan being fully committed to serving high-quality food at a reasonable price, complete with friendly and efficient service. Early bird specials are also available daily and Al (himself) converses with guests, cultivating a relaxed, friendly environment. The menu is well balanced, with options including excellent fresh fish and seafood as well as authentic wood-fired pizza. Menu favourites include Al's Roast Duck, Supergrade Beef Sirloin, Beef Lasagne, Al's Pork Loin Ribs and of course the decadent Baklava & Vanilla Ice-cream. The perfect spot for a casual lunch or an upmarket dinner with friends, Al's Place is a hidden gem in the southern suburbs that is not to be missed.

• The Hussar Grill (Rondebosch)

Located just outside of Rosebank at number 10 Main Road in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch, lies the distinguished Hussar Grill. First established in 1964, the Hussar Grill in Rondebosch is fabled as being one of the oldest grill rooms in the country, having served only the highest quality South African beef to generations of dedicated and faithful guests for over 56 years. Filled with character, the Hussar Grill is the embodiment of the finest grill room traditions and as the original Hussar Grill, it remains the strict benchmark against which all the others are measured. The Hussar Grill (Rondebosch) also recently received the Afristay Writer's Choice 2018 Award as being voted the Top Restaurant in the entirety of Rondebosch. Menu favourites include the Fried Crumbed Camembert, Trio of Snails, Ribeye and T-Bone steaks and of course their decadent Crème Brûlée and speciality Chocolate Vodka Martini. With impeccable service and an extensive wine list, you won't leave the Hussar Grill (Rondebosch) disappointed.

Special Attractions:

• Rhodes Memorial

Positioned along Rhodes Avenue in the Rosebank area and situated within the magnificent Table Mountain National Park, lies the renowned Rhodes Memorial. Designed by Sir Francis Macey and Sir Herbert Baker, the memorial was built on the site where Cecil John Rhodes was said to sit and restively contemplate his future. The memorial comprises 49 steps - each one symbolising a year of Rhodes' life. The stairway is lined with granite walls on which the statues of 8 lions overlook panoramic views of the city of Cape Town. The stairway leads to a rostrum and the bust of Rhodes lies at the foot of the steps, identical to the statue located in Kensington Palace Gardens in London. Rhodes Memorial is also equipped with a popular restaurant and tea garden, famous for its delicious selection of homemade cakes. For those looking for adventure, there is an easy three-hour hike following the contour path from the memorial to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

• Irma Stern Museum 

Situated on Cecil Road in Rosebank, lies the famed Irma Stern Museum; Established in 1971, The Museum is now governed by the University of Cape Town and the Irma Stern Trust. Irma Stern is considered a major South Africa artist and the museum was established with the goal of promoting an appreciation and understanding of her life, work and travels; This has been achieved through displaying a prestigious collection of her artefacts and art in the domestic setting of the home in which she lived. The collection demonstrates Irma Stern's development as an artist who worked as a sculptor, painter and ceramist and indicates her life-long interest in the depiction of people - evident in the prevalence of portraits and exotic figures in combination with lush landscapes and dynamic still life's, all influenced by her time spent in the Congo and Zanzibar. Irma's zest for life is expressed in her love and use of abundant colour, evident in each of the rooms in which she lived, worked and entertained guests. Visitors to the museum can experience the uniquely furnished interiors when viewing the dining room, sitting room and studio, all retained in the manner left by Irma Stern prior to her death. Gated parking is available in the adjacent Chapel Road and the Museum is open on Tuesday - Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM and is closed on all public holidays.