Roeland Street is situated on the East bounds of Cape Town and known to be the gateway between the City Centre and de Waal Road.
Though not on Cape Town’s popular list of streets, it is home to interesting places to explore as it offers a unique experience for every person that chooses to explore it.
DISCOVERING WHERE YOU COME FROM
Have you ever wondered where your forefathers come from? Maybe bugged your parents about who your great grandparents are and if they played a part in fighting the battle against Apartheid?
Look no further. The Western Cape Archives and Records Service might hold the answers to what you have been looking for.
Walking into a quiet and very neat room filled with rows upon rows of archival records, anticipation fills the air as people of all ages attempt to find out more about who they are and where they come from.
Interesting fact: The holdings at the Archives and Records Service consist of 33 000 metres of archives.
AMAZON
The Amazon group extended its family as they branched into another building.
Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, the group is one of the worlds leading online commerce companies. The company acts as an online platform for businesses to sell their products to potential consumers.
They have had a support presence in South Africa since 2006.
The plot was previously home to Viglietti Motors, who is the official importer and go-between for Ferrari motor vehicles in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The showroom was situated next to CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) for many years before it was demolished in 2016.
THE FIRE STATION: A DWELLING PLACE FOR OUR HEROES
The fire station was built in 1932 and by the looks of it, not much has changed.
CONTRIBUTOR TO THE FUTURE
Situated minutes away from the Cape Town Campus, the Roeland Street Building is the administration and research hub of the Faculty of Informatics and Design.
About 500 students and staff endure life in this place almost every weekday of the year. The Informatics and Design department is split into Public Relations Management, Journalism and Photography.
Most students enjoy the isolation as it gives them space to study, away from the actual campus life/distractions.
BACKPACKERS PARADISE
Originally Built in 1895 as the starting point for horse-drawn carriages leaving Cape Town for the diamond town of Kimberley, the hotel and bar has been lovingly restored.
Barney’s Bar is a fascinating place where you are likely to meet some interesting people. The big screens are there so you can cheer on the rugby or football while enjoying a cold one. It’s also worth spending a few minutes looking at all the photos and notices from back in the day.
FOOD, COFFEE AND GREAT VIBES
If you are looking to sit back to enjoy a scrumptious meal, or maybe just a coffee, these two places are amongst the best that Roeland Street has got to offer:
1. The Raptor Room
Founded by two friends, Danel Maree and Amy Lilley, The Raptor is an LGBTI-friendly space that is known for their great taste in entertainment and lively music.
2. Barista Cup
Established in 2015, young business entrepreneur and local Barista, Gcobani Gogoba said that he started out his business after working at local coffee shops in around Cape Town CBD.
Originally selling from his car in his home town, Nyanga, Gcobani opened Barista Cup next to CPUT.
Upon arrival one can expect the fresh smell of locally brewed coffee beans and to be enticed to buy one of the establishments famous Tuna sandwiches.
If you are looking to experience Cape Town in one day, Roeland Street is worth visiting.