Shaping Rosebank: Enhancing safety, walkability, and community connection
Looking back at 2024, we, as the Rosebank Management Districts, are proud of our efforts to build the district of Rosebank as one of Johannesburgās most vibrant and accessible neighbourhoods. Through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to improving the urban environment, the Rosebank Management Districts (RMD) led impactful initiatives that enhanced safety, mobility, and overall visitor experience. That’s not to say that our work is done, but we are building on a solid foundation.
These are some of the key projects we worked on in 2024 that will shape the future of our remarkable precinct.
Transport Month 2025: Transforming urban mobility
In October 2024, Rosebank embraced Transport Month with a focus on promoting sustainable and accessible mobility. The highlight was a street experiment on Bath Avenue, organised in partnership with Young Urbanists and Design Week South Africa. The activation transformed Bath Avenue into a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly space, with hands-on activities and temporary installations to stir ideas on how reroute our urban thinking. From universally accessible crossings to imaginative place-making, the event showcased practical, low-cost solutions for safer streets while inspiring long-term interventions to enhance walkability. Read more about this here: Transforming urban mobility during transport month in 2024
Taking steps to make Rosebank more walkable
In July 2024, together with Johannesburg In Your Pocket City Guide, the Rosebank Management Districts brought together key stakeholders for a walkabout to identify challenges to Rosebankās walkability. Participants, including representatives from district hotels, Gautrain, and Gauteng Tourism Authority, mapped out a visitor walking route connecting hubs ā The Zone @ Rosebank, Keyes Art Mile, and Oxford Parks. The walk highlighted the potential of practical improvements such as enhanced lighting, improved signage, and the adoption of traffic light systems to facilitate uninterrupted movement of vehicles in the district, while protecting pedestrian life.
Building connection with Rosebank’s hospitality providers
Together with Johannesburg In Your Pocket City Guide the district set up the Rosebank Hospitality Network to create a platform for tourism stakeholders to collaboratively address challenges, share feedback, and position Rosebank as a premier visitor destination.
Rosebank Visitor Centre and District Map
The Rosebank Visitor Centre opened in May 2024 and is now fully operational. Situated in Rosebank Mall (Bath Avenue entrance), the centre enhances our on-the-ground presence for stakeholders and the community. In line with this, and as part of our commitment to improving way-finding in the node, we also updated the district map. Read more: Enhancing visitor experience through collaboration
The #GoRosebank safety passage is now a reality
Started in 2023, the Rosebank, Lower Rosebank, and Oxford Parks Management Districts launchedĀ #GoRosebankĀ to enhance accessibility and safety in the Rosebank node. As part of this initiative, we introduced the āWe Are All Pedestriansā campaign to raise awareness of pedestrian safety and improve our streets. A key project under this campaign has been the upgrade of the pedestrian crossing on Oxford Road, in front of the Holiday Inn. This has was completed in 2024, and is one of several community-driven interventions aimed at making Rosebank safer and more pedestrian-friendly, including new crossings, ramps, garden beds, and fencing. Special thanks toĀ Anglo AmericanĀ for their financial support andĀ IntapropĀ for overseeing the project.
Joburg Tourism Ambassadors: Improving visitor experience
The return of the Joburg Tourism Ambassadors programme in 2024 brought renewed energy to Rosebank. These ambassadors serve as visible guides, offering tourism information, coordinating with security teams, and helping visitors find their way to key sites such as the Gautrain Station and Keyes Art Mile. This initiative will run until April 2025.
Driving change with by-law enforcement and security initiatives
In August 2024, RMD partnered with local authorities to conduct a by-law enforcement operation targeting lawlessness and unlicensed trading. Simultaneously, coordinated safety operations across the precinct enhanced security, reinforcing Rosebankās reputation as a safe and welcoming neighbourhood. The presence of a branded SAPS trailer further bolstered safety efforts, ensuring a more visible law enforcement presence in collaboration with private security teams.
Building community connections
Community engagement is central to RMDās efforts. The annual Build-a-Backpack Campaign saw blankets, towels, and essential items donated to the Immaculata Shelter in partnership with Southern Sun Rosebank and Avante Coffee. This initiative underscores the precinctās dedication to supporting its most vulnerable residents.
Looking Ahead
Rosebankās ongoing journey toward becoming Johannesburgās most connected and inclusive neighbourhood is a testament to collaborative action. From reimagining streets and improving infrastructure to fostering community engagement, these initiatives highlight the precinctās dedication to creating a vibrant, walkable, and sustainable urban space. As our neighbourhood continues to evolve, it sets a powerful example of how thoughtful planning and community partnerships can redefine the urban experience.
To join us and support initiatives by the Rosebank Management Districts, please contact mikhaela@localabode.co.za or melusi.hlatshwayo@inyourpocket.com
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