Roeland Street is located in the Eastbound of the city. Despite not being a lengthy street only 0,09 kilometers according to geoview.info and not being situated in the center of the city, it still does hold the element of an inner-city street because of its busyness with cars using it as the route to go in and out of the city, that could be the convenience to the Engine garage in that route.
The diversification and the convenience of the area are enchanting, you go from finding home decor shops, and spaza shops when in need of snacks, to gyms when you feel guilty about congesting many calories because of those snacks. Tired of waiting around until your car tires are changed? how about you cross the street and grab a cup of coffee or a beer while you wait? Looking for a fun time on a Friday night? You are more than welcome to try out a few pubs on the block. The area does not discriminate, you are a bookworm? the street has got you covered, or you can rent around if you feel you have not experienced the area enough.
1. Starting the journey from Philip Kgosana Dr. Road, just after the bridge, there is a City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service.
This particular station was built in 1932 and it operates as the central fire station out of all the other 30 stations in the surrounding areas and is also used to carry out training as part of the
recruitment of firefighters. The University of Cape Town’s School of Architecture thesis by Rowallan Hugh Fitchett in 1977 revealed that the station was facing administrative strains, but nonetheless, it still operates to this date.
2. Down cross Brandweer Street is one of the seven Cape Peninsula University of Technology campuses.
this particular campus is used as an administration and Research hub falling under the informatics and design faculty.
3. Next to the CPUT campus is this beautiful mysterious building to stare at. Displaying no logo on the outside is an office belonging to one of the biggest billion-dollar online enterprises Amazon .this building was built in 2017 and started operating in 2018. An inside source confirmed the
mysterious operation of the office but also confirmed to the office to have a call center department.
4. Western Cape Archive and Record Service.
Known for attracting tourists and celebrities. Intrigued by the writings outside and the architecture of the building, I had to find out about it. Thanks to the good Samaritan Vatiswa, a staff member who when saw me from the reception area standing outside on a Saturday as I thought I had reached a dead-end when I found a lock at the gate approached me and shared her knowledge about the institution. Currently operating as an archive that collects, manages, and preserves records from births to marriage certificates. Before the building was a prison for petty crimes such as theft under the British Colonial but that quickly changed, in 1923 the first execution took place, and the “ notorious hoisting” of a black flag on Fridays when a convict was hanged became a tradition. In 1948 when the Apartheid government came into power the operation of the prison changed with convicts segregated according to race.
5. SAHRA.
Situated on the right in Roeland Street opposite ANTHONY SHAPIRO STUDIO, the South African Heritage Resource Agency is a national government organization established on the 1st of April in 2001 under No. 25 of 1999 of the National Heritage Resource Act responsible for the protection of the South African Heritage. “here we govern heritage sites like Castle and we have a partnership with Robben Island… some of these sites there are cottages where people can rent for vacations”, said Landile Ntshingelwa the SARHA receptionist. Walking in, the atmosphere of the building proffers its significance because of its architecture. “if you want exposure, you can make an appointment, you can get access to the library where you can be informed even about the history of the building”, he added.
6. A spot to eat, quench your thirst, and rest.
Established in the year 1895. Kimberly Backpackers Hotel and Bar is Known for its karaoke nights and hosting local DJs and its affordable prices from meals to drinks with prices to book a room ranging from only R250 to R550. Attracting customers with its regular special deals.
7. Parliament
Situated in front of a T-junction where Roeland Street joints with St Johns Road. The building was completed in 1884 with Queen Victoria granting its establishment in 1853 under Cape Colony. A 49-year-old man identified as Zandile Christmas Mafe is said to have allegedly set the building on fire causing severe damage in the early hours of the morning on the 2nd of January 2022. The incident is said to have occurred with no security on duty on that day and since then the South African Police Service has been providing security while it is being restored.
One of the things I admire about the places is the resplendent architectural designs of the buildings and the friendly also welcoming people allowing you to explore with a free spirit.
Comentarios