Enhancing Visitor Experience and Walkability in Rosebank: Insights from a neighbourhood walk
On Friday, July 5, 2024, Rosebank Management Districts (RMD), in collaboration with Johannesburg In Your Pocket City Guide (the districts’ strategic communication partner) hosted a walkabout aimed at identifying challenges to walkability in the district.
The walkabout followed a discussion held at the May 2024 meeting of the Rosebank Hospitality Network (a grouping brought together by RMD and Johannesburg In Your Pocket that represents key stakeholders in the districts, including hotels, retail centres, the City Sightseeing Bus and the Gautrain). That session was titled “How to make Rosebank Joburg’s top tourism district,” and addressed a wide range of issues related to promoting the district as a welcoming destination for locals and visitors. With improved visitor experience in mind, it was decided to conduct a walkabout to highlight challenges to walkability in Rosebank, and to seek solutions that would improve upon what the neighbourhood offers as a key Joburg visitor destination.
The walkabout was attended by, among others, representatives from the Gautrain, Gauteng Tourism Authority, voco Johannesburg Rosebank, Southern Sun Hotels, The Monarch Hotel, The Zone @ Rosebank and Oxford Parks. The combined efforts and insights from participants brought valuable perspectives to the question of how to enhance Rosebank’s walkability and visitor experience.
The walkabout identified a visitor walking route that, with added support, has the potential to link up key hubs in the Rosebank node. The route began outside the Gautrain station on Oxford Road, led into The Zone @ Rosebank Piazza, along Tyrwhitt Avenue and right into Keyes Avenue to Keyes Art Mile. From Keyes Art Mile the route went along Jellicoe Avenue, up to Radisson Red Rosebank at Oxford Parks, then turning right along Oxford Road back to the Gautrain Station.
The walk allowed participants to gather insights and highlighted the following items as critical to creating a more walkable district. These include:
Signage
Clear and informative signage is essential for guiding visitors and enhancing their overall experience. It was identified that added signage could significantly improve navigation within the district and communicate the connectivity between visitor destinations in the neighbourhood.
Lighting
Enhancing lighting in key areas can create a more welcoming atmosphere and deter potential security threats. The RMD indicated that as part of efforts to improve lighting in the node, solar lights have been installed around the taxi rank to ensure commuters can access the facility safely, with additional lights installed around the Rosebank police station.
In addition, the district has been working on the “Adopt a traffic light programme” with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and private property owners, which is intended to get key Rosebank intersections connected to private power backup systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply and traffic flow. This is a work in progress, but significant strides have been made with intersections along Oxford from Jellicoe Avenue to Bolton Road already adopted.
Walkability
Participants identified the need for improved pedestrian pathways and pedestrian crossings, as well as marked routes to encourage a seamless visitor experience. The RMD highlighted that while the district’s operations team addresses minor pavement repairs where possible, there are limitations as the mandate falls under the Joburg Roads Agency, and as such the team focuses on ensuring the areas affected are “passable” and do not pose a risk to pedestrians. Furthermore, in 2023 the RMD spent over R1.5 million on road repairs (resurfacing and painting of road markings) and minor paving repairs along key roads in the precinct with Pothole Patrol.
Following the walkabout, the participants were hosted for refreshments by voco Hotel. The next Rosebank Hospitality Network session is scheduled for August 15, 2024, at The Monarch Hotel. This ongoing engagement ensures continuous improvement and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance Rosebank’s appeal as a visitor destination.
“The Rosebank Districts have initiated the GoRosebank programme, the enhancement of accessibility and mobility through the node is a priority, we are exploring interventions and opportunities at various levels to activate, promote and support walkablity and access for all users and visitors”, said Mikhaela Donaldson, Rosebank District Manager.
The walkabout was a first step towards making Rosebank a more walkable and visitor-friendly district. By addressing key issues such as signage, lighting, and security, and building on the insights from the Rosebank Hospitality Network session, stakeholders are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and attractive environment for all who visit.
To join upcoming sessions or learn more about the Rosebank Hospitality Network, contact Melusi Hlatshwayo. For updated events, attractions, and activities in Rosebank and its surrounds, we recommend you follow Johannesburg In Your Pocket City Guide.
To join us and support initiatives by the Rosebank Management District, please contact our membership office at +27 82 386 2680 or mikhaela@localabode.co.za
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