In celebration of Women’s Month in Rosebank we thought it a good time to introduce some of the dynamic figures that keep the district not only running, but thriving as a key Joburg neighbourhood. Time to meet some of the behind the scenes figures shaping Rosebank. This week we interviewed Carollyn Mitchell.
Growing up in Rosebank, using public transport and walking every inch of the suburb has provided me with a wealth of information and memories of the emergence of Rosebank as one of South Africa’s premier and iconic nodes. This experience, together with my role as the land director of Intaprop has facilitated a long history of redevelopment interventions in Rosebank which includes the creation of The Zone and its link to the Mall, the redevelopment of the Rosebank retail parking area, the pedestrianisation of Cradock Avenue, various office buildings and the Intaprop creation of Oxford Parks.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The layering of all the parts and components that make up and contribute to the cosmopolitan Rosebank experience
What has been the greatest challenge over the past few months?
Anything to do with the Council, infrastructure interruptions (water & electrical outages).
What makes Rosebank special as a precinct/neighbourhood?
It is a robust and flexible place which is developed at a pedestrian scale and is able to accommodate various age groups, interest groups, dietary requirements etc.
What are your favourite Rosebank attractions?
Rosebank’s walkability, art galleries, Rosebank Market and the eclectic mix of buildings.
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Rosebank?
The divine Tasha’s breakfasts and the Fishmonger’s dinners.
A visitor should not leave Rosebank without experiencing… ?
Oxford Parks of course!
Top tip for a first-time visitor to Rosebank?
Look into all the legendary Rosebank Art galleries and the bespoke restaurant and food offerings.
What positive changes have you observed in Rosebank over the past 3 years?
All of the City Improvement Districts have been actively cleaning and improving security in the Area.
If you could change one thing about Rosebank, what would it be?
Plant more trees, redesign Oxford Road to promote pedestrian safety, create facilities for users of Public transport & Mini bus taxis
What’s the one thing you think most people don’t know about the neighbourhood?
Rosebank was set out as a residential area in 1896, some 125 years ago. Tyrwhitt Avenue developed as a retail high street with apartments between the 1930’s and 1950’s. Rosebank had the first precinct plan in the City of Johannesburg, prepared by Max Kirchoffer in the early 1970’s.
What are you looking forward to seeing in Rosebank in future …
Legible, maintained, clean, landscaped and well-lit pedestrian and cycle paths linking into the surrounding residential areas.
Describe Rosebank in three words…
Diverse, vibrant, inclusive
