Rosebank to get a makeover
Posted 30th June 2008 at 06:24 PM by NewsTracker
By Emily Visser
Johannesburg – Rosebank, an affluent suburb in Johannesburg, is set to become a high density transport node through the latest Rosebank Urban Development Framework.
The project, aimed at maximising the development spin-offs created by the Gautrain project, was approved by the city council on 19 June.
It emphasises building on the character of the existing environment, according to the city’s official website.
The development of the Gautrain station within this node opens the door to yet another host of opportunities, unlocking development potential for further commercial activity within the Rosebank box, according to the Rosebank Urban Development Framework.
Originally the Rosemill Orchards farm, its proximity to the inner city forced the area to outgrow its farm clothes rather quickly and mature into the sassy city suburb it is today.
It is a favourite with Johannesburg residents for its vibrant commercial and entertainment hub, yet it still manages to keep its leafy residential character.
Although some of the buildings around Oxford Street will go up to 20 storeys, an average height of between six and eight storey buildings, will be the norm.
"Rosebank has a certain character. However, to make it stand out as an important node, it will require certain high-rise features," confirmed Leana Strydom, an urban development specialist in the city's department of development planning and urban management.
"In essence, the Rosebank node already possesses all the right ingredients for further development.
“This framework simply aims to facilitate the management of such development, as well as the orderly increase of land use densities - thereby improving that which already exists," the report notes.
From the suburb's beginnings it was set to become a transport hub as it was one of the first to have trams running to the city centre.
In 2007, it was one of the first to be identified as a mixed-use node outside the city's central business district.
Rosebank is already some way to becoming a modern public transport hub, with work on the Gautrain station underneath Oxford Road, between Tyrwhitt Avenue and Baker Street, progressing well.
The framework encourages the integration of various public transport modes and nodes with each other.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will have several routes running through Rosebank, connecting Sandton, Sunninghill, the CBD, Soweto, Randburg and Lenasia.
The BRT, in turn, will complement the Gautrain routes and Rosebank station.
By way of example, the framework notes how this network may work in future.
"A person living in Dunkeld can access the BRT system via Pridwin Station and use it to access the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link to go to Tshwane or OR Tambo International Airport."
Private vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians will also be accommodated.
“A large part of Rosebank is already suitable for pedestrians. This pedestrianised character will be further enhanced with special pavements, street furniture and greenery. The idea is to make it "enjoyable and safe,” Ms Strydom said.
According to the framework, pedestrian movement must take precedence on Oxford Road, particularly in the vicinity of the Gautrain and BRT stations.
Separate cycleways alongside pedestrian walkways are also proposed. - BuaNews
Johannesburg – Rosebank, an affluent suburb in Johannesburg, is set to become a high density transport node through the latest Rosebank Urban Development Framework.
The project, aimed at maximising the development spin-offs created by the Gautrain project, was approved by the city council on 19 June.
It emphasises building on the character of the existing environment, according to the city’s official website.
The development of the Gautrain station within this node opens the door to yet another host of opportunities, unlocking development potential for further commercial activity within the Rosebank box, according to the Rosebank Urban Development Framework.
Originally the Rosemill Orchards farm, its proximity to the inner city forced the area to outgrow its farm clothes rather quickly and mature into the sassy city suburb it is today.
It is a favourite with Johannesburg residents for its vibrant commercial and entertainment hub, yet it still manages to keep its leafy residential character.
Although some of the buildings around Oxford Street will go up to 20 storeys, an average height of between six and eight storey buildings, will be the norm.
"Rosebank has a certain character. However, to make it stand out as an important node, it will require certain high-rise features," confirmed Leana Strydom, an urban development specialist in the city's department of development planning and urban management.
"In essence, the Rosebank node already possesses all the right ingredients for further development.
“This framework simply aims to facilitate the management of such development, as well as the orderly increase of land use densities - thereby improving that which already exists," the report notes.
From the suburb's beginnings it was set to become a transport hub as it was one of the first to have trams running to the city centre.
In 2007, it was one of the first to be identified as a mixed-use node outside the city's central business district.
Rosebank is already some way to becoming a modern public transport hub, with work on the Gautrain station underneath Oxford Road, between Tyrwhitt Avenue and Baker Street, progressing well.
The framework encourages the integration of various public transport modes and nodes with each other.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will have several routes running through Rosebank, connecting Sandton, Sunninghill, the CBD, Soweto, Randburg and Lenasia.
The BRT, in turn, will complement the Gautrain routes and Rosebank station.
By way of example, the framework notes how this network may work in future.
"A person living in Dunkeld can access the BRT system via Pridwin Station and use it to access the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link to go to Tshwane or OR Tambo International Airport."
Private vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians will also be accommodated.
“A large part of Rosebank is already suitable for pedestrians. This pedestrianised character will be further enhanced with special pavements, street furniture and greenery. The idea is to make it "enjoyable and safe,” Ms Strydom said.
According to the framework, pedestrian movement must take precedence on Oxford Road, particularly in the vicinity of the Gautrain and BRT stations.
Separate cycleways alongside pedestrian walkways are also proposed. - BuaNews
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