CommunityTowns and suburbs

Newlands

newlands

History of Newlands

Newlands is a suburb about 9 kilometres from Cape Town’s city centre. Originally known as Nieuwland, the area began its development in 1770 when Governor Willem van der Stel received it as a grant. He established a country residence, adding a modest lodge, garden, and oak tree plantation. The Dutch East India Company retained the property and used it as a residence for high-ranking VOC officials.

In 1791, the estate changed hands to private owners, briefly returned to government control in 1805, and then sold again in 1826. During the 1860s, the government leased the property as a residence for Cape Governors. The Newlands village started to take shape when the railway line from Cape Town reached the suburb in 1864.

The manor house of Fernwood, part of the original farm estate, still stands today and houses a parliamentary sports club.

Newlands now ranks among Cape Town’s more upmarket suburbs. Locals often refer to it as Cape Town’s “green suburb” because of its high rainfall, making it the wettest area in South Africa. Situated at the back of Table Mountain and on the perimeter of Kirstenbosch, Newlands offers spectacular views for its residents.

Things to see and do in Newlands:

  • Newlands spring
    The freshwater spring has historical importance in the area. The water is of high quality. Capetonians still collect water at these springs today. The water has played a vital role in the brewing industry with the first brewery being set up and licenced in 1694 at Papenboom. Water was also, used to power water mills from the mid-1800s.
  • Newlands Brewery which was established in 1658 is one of the oldest commercial breweries in South Africa and is considered the ‘cradle of clear-beer brewing’ locally. It lies on the Liesbeek River. The Josephine Mill, which used a water wheel to grind the grain used for brewing is now a historic monument.
  • Newlands forest is part of the Table Mountain National Park. It is a popular area for outdoor recreation where Capetonians hike and walk their dogs. It includes remnants of indigenous Afro-Temperate forest and Granite Fynbos. Historic sites include The Woodcutter Cottage and Lady Anne Barnard’s Path.
  • Paradise Park Outdoor Gym  Cnr Hiddingh and Alster Avenue.
  • Kirstenbosch botanical gardens
  • Newlands forest
  • Josephine mill
  • Liesbeek river trail
  • Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. During January a season of summer concerts is held at Kirstenbosch

WEATHER IN NEWLANDS TODAY

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: Claremont Police Station -021 657 2250
  • Traffic department: Hillstar Traffic Department – 0860 103 089
  • Fire: Volunteer Wildfire Services Newlands Fire Base083 977 2924
    Wynberg Fire Station – 021 444 9623
  • Water: 0869 103 089
  • Electricity: 0869 103 089
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office;Kenilworth Post Office-021 762 4483
  • Closest hospital;Nurture Newlands Hospital-021 685 0292
  • Pharmacy;021 685 3011
  • SPCA: Cape of Good Hope SPCA-021 700 4140
  • Schools:

South African College High School-021 689 4164
Sans Souci Girls’ High School-021 671 7188
South African College Junior School-021 689 4001
Kildare Pre-Primary School-021 674 4360
Good Hope Studies – English Language School -021 683 1399
Barkly House Newlands Pre-Primary School-021 671 1878
Groote Schuur High School-021 674 2165

  • Tourism @ Kirstenbosch gardens  (0)21 762 0687
  • Residents Association: admin@newlandsresidents.org.za                                               

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