Wheels hit the ramp. Controllers click in the gaming lounge. A dance crew counts in on the studio floor. This is The Urban Playground, the newest cultural hotspot at Rosebank Mall, opening on level 4 ahead of its public launch on Saturday 1 August. Launch day promises DJs, live entertainment and a skate competition, giving visitors a first taste of what this dynamic space is all about.
Step inside and you are met with a playground of possibilities. There is a 3v3 underground street soccer court, a skate park, an esports gaming area lined with PCs for tournament nights, a street art gallery, foosball tables and a studio designed for dance rehearsals and live shows. Around the corner, creatives will find a photographic studio, two film studios, a music studio and a podcast studio — everything needed to shoot, record and edit under one roof. Changing rooms, showers and lockers make the space practical as well as inspiring.
The reception area greets visitors with a coffee shop, merch store and working space for entrepreneurs or solo operators. Private rooms are available for parties, meetings or any occasion that calls for a dedicated space.
Muhammad Varachia, General Manager of Rosebank Mall, explains:
“Rosebank has always been a hub for culture and creativity, and The Urban Playground fits naturally into that identity. We wanted to give our community, and everyone beyond it, a space where everyone feels welcome, somewhere to practise a sport, learn a new skill, grab a bite, play a game of pool or simply be around others who share their interests. The inclusive venue is easy to reach whether you live nearby or are visiting from across the city, and we believe it will become one of the reasons people of all ages choose to come back to Rosebank Mall.”
Adriano Franco, creator of The Urban Playground, adds:
“Most of us are told at some time in our lives to pick one thing and stick to it. We built The Urban Playground because we do not think that is how passion works. A skater might also be a filmmaker. A dancer might also want to try gaming. This space gives them room to do both, under one roof, without having to choose.”
Media personality Robot Boii has joined The Urban Playground Rosebank as a strategic partner, supporting the launch of their second location.
The Urban Playground is located at Rosebank Mall, accessible above Incredible Connection or through the rooftop entrance on level 4.
Operating hours
- Monday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am to 10pm
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 9am to 8pm
Fees
- Memberships: R350 – R750
- Daily sessions: R50 – R150 (depending on activity)
Coming up at The Urban Playground
- 15 August: Stage NEON Fist, a girls‑only Tekken 8 gaming event created and run by Wasabi
- 29 and 30 August: NOTW, a dance and art event
- 5 September: RE:PLAY Festival, bringing together fighting games, trading card enthusiasts, competitive tournaments, dance and 90s pop culture
👉 Discover more at Rosebank Mall.
