ROSEBANK HISTORY AND INFORMATION

Rosebank is a cosmopolitan commercial and residential suburb in the northwestern part of Johannesburg, South Africa. There are many up-market shopping malls situated in Rosebank, Johannesburg. One of the more prestigious shopping areas of the city of Johannesburg is the Zone@Rosebank. The Zone@Rosebank is a large mall. There are also many large movie theatres in Rosebank.

It abounds in accommodation of all sorts - from budget accommodation to more exclusive B & B accommodation. There are many self-catering chalets, hotels, guest houses and lodges to be found in Rosebank. The Zone@Rosebank was awarded a Certificate of Merit at the 25th International Design and Development Award Ceremony

This area is part of the original farm known as Rosemill Orchards owned by a Mr Lorenco. Plots in the area were first sold by auctioneer Richard Currie in 1896. In 1919 the City Council renamed the streets in honour of British Admirals of World War I. Rosebank and Dunkeld were two of the first suburbs to have trolley-bus transport In 1945 Cecil Behrmann purchased the south-western corner of Oxford Road and Tyrwhitt Avenue on behalf of a syndicate. Construction work began in 1950 and the property was enlarged several times. In due course, he sold out his interests but the site attracted many other developers and Rosebank became one of the prime shopping areas of Johannesburg.The Swedish architect, Max Kirchhoffer, designed a regional retail office and high density residential area bordered by Oxford Road, Jellicoe Avenue, Jan Smuts Avenue and Biermann Avenue in 1972. In 1976 the development of a R15 million shopping centre situated on Oxford Road was initiated, Rosebank Mall, the Firs, and Mutual Square became fashionable shopping areas. Office blocks including Standard bank and Johnnic Properties were then constructed by developers

Oxford Road was the original name given to the part of this road in Parktown by Mrs O.E. Redwood, and the intention was to recall the famous British university. Tyrwhitt Avenue, formerly 2nd Avenue,is believed to be named after Commodore Sir Reginald, Tyrwhitt of World War 1 fame.
Bolton Avenuewas presumably named after the Lancashire town of Bolton.
4th Avenue was renamed Cradock Avenue, presumable in honour of Rear Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock (1862-1914) who went down with all his crew on 1 November 1914.

Bath Avenue was presumably named after the city in Somerset, England. It was originally 5th Avenue and only altered on 27 October 1919
Baker Square was presumably named after Baker street when this area was developed in 1963. It is a popular and not an official name.
Baker Street - Miss Baker is mentioned as governess to H.B Marshall's children. She took the children to Natal during the Jameson Raid period and to Europe a little later. Mrs Nellie Ivory, H.B Marshall's daughter, in a letter dated 14 May 1961 stated that the governess was Mabel Hope Baker and that the family had a high regard for her. The assumption is therefore that H.B Marshall named the street in Melrose in her honour.
Jellicoe Avenue was formerly 3rd Avenue, Admiral Jellicoe was First Sea Lord during World War I..

Rosebank, once on the brink of a steady decline, has been turned into a multi-cultural, vibrant and exciting suburb of Johannesburg, with an outdoors atmosphere.It is a trendy suburb, business centre and tourist attraction in one of Johannesburg's up-market suburbs. Although Rosebank is home to many head offices, the district also provides plenty of entertainment to its residents and visitors at its variety of shopping malls, restaurants, markets, luxurious hotels, cinemas, art galleries and night clubs. Rosebank attracts literally thousands of people on weekends and public holidays.

The elegant suburb of The Mall of Rosebank is the city of Johannesburg second largest business district. It is home to some of South Africa most contemporary stores and adventurous entertaining attractions.

The African Craft Market
The African Craft Market is popular tourist destination and one of the many tourist attractions in Johannesburg. Africa cultures reveal their treasures in the heart of Rosebank, where restaurants, shopping and entertainment abounds. The Craft Market is a haven for locals and tourists alike. Exquisite high quality handcrafted African artifacts and antiques can be found here.

The Firs Shopping Centre with its two art galleries adjoins the Park Hyatt Hotel, and is a convenient place for tourists and business people to pop by, while providing a cosy place for the locals.

Mutual Square & Gardens offers rural crafts, African Arts and a range of different stores including fast food places.

The Rosebank Mews is one of the oldest shopping centers in the Rosebank area. Alongside The Zone, Rosebank Mews houses a great variety of very well known modeling agencies and casting agencies.

Rosebank has an up-market business sector, with a wide variety of shops, shopping centres and shopping malls.

Rosebank is a vibrant multi-cultural district, business node and tourist attraction in the north western part of Johannesburg.  Rosebank is unique in that it has effectively combined a successful commercial node within a pleasant working, shopping and entertainment environment.

Due to its compact size, visitors, residents and workers are able to walk the area, enjoying the outdoors atmosphere, en route to their destination.  Although Rosebank is home to many head offices, the district also provides plenty of entertainment to its residents and visitors at a variety of shopping malls, pavement cafes, restaurants, markets, luxurious hotels, cinemas, art galleries and night clubs.

Whether it's a cappuccino under an acacia tree, a visit to one of the country's top galleries, watching an art house movie, shopping at top designer boutiques or strolling around the neighbourhood taking in the art deco architecture - Rosebank has something to offer everyone.  Rosebank is conveniently situated just 35 minutes from OR Tambo Airport, and is close to all the major centres of Johannesburg. If you haven't burnt up all your energy during the day, then Rosebank offers a range of happening night spots and cocktail bars with live music and DJs spinning beats. You select, from hardcore dance spots to more laidback venues. Situated at The Firs, Katzy's is the perfect place for that pre-dinner cocktail or post-dinner cigar - the 'who's who' hang out at this trendy venue. The only art house cinema complex in the area, Cinema Nouveau at the Rosebank Mall comprises ten screens offering a stimulating array of art house movies.