The recent opening of the Gautrain's Rosebank station has equally positioned the Rosebank CBD firmly on the map and means the surrounding infrastructure of upgraded retail, entertainment, hotel and commercial offerings will be supporting and attracting more economic and leisure activity.
New developments, recently opened or currently underway, to take up an address in Rosebank's new fast-growing commercial node include the 158 room Holiday Inn hotel, The Zone Phase II, Standard Bank's new head office on the corners of Oxford and Bolton Roads (55 00m² and 11 storeys scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2013), Oxford Corner (8 416m² office space), The Rose (2 852m² office space), Circa art gallery on Jellicoe Avenue and Jan Smuts, as well as refurbishment plans for The Mall of Rosebank.
Similarly, there is a demand for quality residential living in the new hub. Ipanema is a recent residential apartment development from Barrow Properties (Pty) Ltd and Vunani Properties (Pty) Ltd that effortlessly complements Rosebank's new-found appeal. "Now that the structure is almost complete, there is a strong interest from the local market as Ipanema nears becoming a reality in August 2012 when the first homeowners take occupation," comments Kent Gush of Kent Gush Properties.
According to Gush, pre-development sales have exceeded expectations with 46 of the 68 units already sold as demand for space near the Gautrain stations is high and employees of businesses relocating to Rosebank seek the ideal short commute from work to home. "In addition to Ipanema being a unique residential offering to the Rosebank/Houghton area, Barrow Properties and Vunani Properties are distinguished and reputable developers, providing purchasers with peace of mind and a quality stamp of approval on their investment".
Ipanema primarily targets young professionals and young families looking for a stylish and prestigious yet affordable urban lifestyle that provides the convenience of lock-up-and-go coupled with elements such as concierge services, an on-site gym, laundry service, communal pool and outdoor entertainment area. The one-and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom penthouses with rooftop terraces all showcase clean architectural lines, with the highest quality interior finishes. Security is also a priority for the development and residents will have access to secure basement-level parking, 24-hour guards and CCTV camera surveillance.
Paul Barrow, director of Barrow Properties, comments, "We saw an opportunity to develop a residential offering that would match Rosebank's new look and feel and be the first to cater to this new type of residential market for the area."
