Edenvale Area Profile

Edenvale at a glance

Edenvale is a town on the East Rand in Gauteng, South Africa. Modern Edenvale has become a very well known part of Ekurhuleni. It lies about halfway between the O.R. Tambo International Airport and the Johannesburg city centre and is located 12km by road from Sandton and about 9km from the closest Gautrain station. Edenvale is a busy town with ranges of middle-class areas such as Eastleigh and Croydon, to the more upper-class areas such as Dowerglen and Edenglen. In the last ten years the area to the north of Edenvale (Modderfontein) has expanded significantly. Five malls have been erected, Greenstone and Stoneridge mall, Eden Meadows, Greenstone Crescent and Green Valley as well as an array of complexes and townhouses, in an area now called Greenstone Hill and Greenstone Park, just west of Illiondale.

History

It started out in 1903, after the Anglo Boer War as a small settlement named Rietfontein which sprung up around the Rietfontein Gold Mine. It was made a municipality in 1942. It was initially populated by Cornish mineworkers. The first lots were sold in 1903 and the town named after John Eden. John Eden was part owner of Rietfontein in 1900. Owing to the proximity of the Land to the Rietfontein Mining Company the new owners were induced to lay out the land as Townships. Eastleigh was laid out in one acre lots while Edenvale and Edendale were sub-divided into 991 square metres stands.

In 1903, stands were offered for sale to the public at 20 pounds per stand, on terms of a 2 pound deposit and 1 pound per month. Not surprisingly this cheap ground, which was also free of tax, encouraged people to settle in Edenvale. At that time, Rietfontein Mine employed Cornish Miners called “Cousin Jacks”. They settled In Edenvale and Eastleigh in brick-lined wood and iron house, some of which can still be seen today.

In 1939 Edenvale became a village and in 1954 was proclaimed a Municipality. Lights and water installations, which became available in 1938, stimulated a building boom in the Edenvale Municipal area. Industrialists also became more interested with the availability of cheap land so forming the nucleus of today’s Sebenza Industrial Township (“Sebenza” meaning “to work” in Zulu).

Transportation

Edenvale is within easy access and close proximity to 3 major roads, these being the N3 (also known as 'Joburg - Durban Highway'), the R24, which runs from Johannesburg city centre to O.R. Tambo International Airport, and Modderfontein Road (R25). The rapid rail line Gautrain passes to the east and the north of Greenstone Hill and the closest stations are Rhodesfield and Marlboro.

Gautrain

Gautrain is Africa’s first world-class, modern rapid rail and bus service for Gauteng. The railway line is 80 km long and makes regular trips throughout the day. During peak times, a train passes through the stations every 12 minutes. In off-peak times, this stretches to a train every 20 minutes. The Gautrain travels at an impressive speed of 160 km/h, which means that commuters can reach their destination faster and with improved safety (as opposed to travelling on the roads). In fact, it takes only 35 minutes to travel from Johannesburg to Pretoria on the Gautrain.

Attractions

Adventure Golf at Stoneridge Shopping Centre

Located in Lethabong, there are three golf courses here, each of which has nine fun holes to complete. These courses take about 30 minutes to complete (per course). The added entertainment area has a pool table, foozeball table and a pizzeria to create a hub of all things cool.

Each of the courses is so much more than just a putting green. Rather, it is a complex collection of greens, waterways, gardens, dense foliage, shady log overhangs, and more. Negotiating them is as exciting as it is challenging and is always a great choice for a day out with a difference. The courses are transformed as night falls and lighting is used to create a magical hideaway from the comings and goings of city life.

Glendower Golf Club

Set in the lush residential area of Dowerglen, Glendower Gold Club takes pride in being one of the top golfing courses in Gauteng, if not the country. Glendower is beautiful, challenging course. It is without doubt that, given the chance, every passionate golfer should play at least one round here. The Par 72 boasts over sixty bunkers, water hazards on 11 out of 18 holes, exceptional practise facilities and a very trendy clubhouse.

Go Ape South Africa

Go Ape South Africa is an aerial forest park (AFP) built to be enjoyed by all ages. This park contains courses made of platforms constructed at various levels in the trees. The platforms are connected by different types of bridges (that represent obstacles), participants using safety equipment to maneuver from platform to platform. The parks operate with virtually no negative environmental impact and the trees are well cared for and protected. Go Ape brings people together as it is a fun way to spend quality time with friends, family and colleagues. Visit the park in Lethabong and experience the fun for yourself!

Amenities

Greenstone Shopping Centre

Located in the Edenvale suburb of Greenstone Hill, the shopping centre offers Simply Sensational Shopping with 156 tenants and boasts nationals such as Pick 'n Pay Hyper, Game, Woolworths, Edgars, The Foschini Group, Cotton On, Mr Price, Pepkor Group, Dis-Chem Pharmacy, Clicks and Decathlon. It also has entertainment for all ages; Ster Kinekor Classic, The Fun Company Bowling and games arcade, Rush Extreme Sports trampoline park, Galaxy Bingo and Hamleys as well as restaurants and convenience stores that open till late. 

Stoneridge Centre

Stoneridge Centre in Lethabong is an impressive open-air lifestyle centre offering great shopping and leisure outlets. The centre houses more than 80 exciting retail stores, services and entertainment venues to choose from. From lovely home & décor stores to fabulous al fresco dining outlets in a beautifully renovated Piazza, from fun toys to a world-class gym, from sports and outdoor shops to delicious fresh food stores and specialty retailers, wholesalers and superb service outlets. Family fun & entertainment venues include Papachinos the Adventure Golf, a Laser Battle Zone and the Compu Kart Raceway for Go Karting! Best of all is the FREE and convenient open air and basement parking!

Edenvale Community Centre

Edenvale Community Centre is situated in the heart of Edenvale. The air-conditioned hall can host 400 guests and has parking on-site. The venue is used for conferences, banquets and community meetings.

Schools

Edenvale boasts a variety of excellent schools. To name but a few:

Edenglen Primary School

Eastleigh Primary School

Edenvale High School

Dowerglen High School

School of Merit

Little Minds Montessori CC

Hospitals and Clinics

Find the best medical care in Edenvale, with a number of hospitals and clinics to choose from depending on your needs. A few to mention are:

Edenvale Hospital

Medicross Edevale

Lethabong Clinic

Dunvegan Baby Clinic

Edenvale offers residents a welcome respite from the busier areas that are close by. The former mining settlement is now a diverse suburb that attracts mainly middle-class residents. Locals enjoy the quiet, comfortable lifestyle on offer but if they do crave some excitement, entertainment and amenities are a short drive away. Housing costs in the Edenvale mainly cater to the middle class with areas such as Eastleigh and upper-class with areas like Dowerglen. Overall, it is an appealing town with lots to offer!