Amidst the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, 3 000sqm of the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Centre in De Waterkant, Cape Town has been reimagined into an innovatively designed, all-inclusive living and working space offering exceptional amenities and the many benefits that come from a broad, connected community. Called Neighbourgood, the space offers furnished apartments and a 1 800sqm coworking office space, which will open in February 2021, boasting private offices, dedicated desks, hot desks and meeting room facilities.
Neighbourgood CEO Murray Clark says that the purpose of the development is to bring the traditional concept of a neighbourhood to life, “Neighbourhoods are the lifeblood of our society and provide a critical role in creating a sense of community. Our goal at Neighbourgood Cape Quarter and our various up-and-coming locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg is to build the future of a connected living and working experience.” The Neighbourgood Cape Quarter co-living space consists of 20 stylish furnished apartments that can be rented as an entire apartment or per suite.
Clark says that while the pandemic has been touted as a swift catalyst for digital transformation, it has also led calls for more flexible working arrangements. “People are spending less physical time at their formal office and they’re looking for spaces that cater for, and enhance, their working lives. That could be access to everything from gyms and social areas or a provision of pause areas and specialist equipment or facilities.”
The Neighbourgood workspace aims to cater for all budgets, from individuals looking for a casual desk (priced from R1,800 per month), to businesses seeking private office space in this De Waterkant (priced from R2,750 per desk in a furnished space).
Clark reiterates that the Cape Quarter is ideally located in one of the trendiest parts of Cape Town, in close proximity to Green Point Stadium, the V & A Waterfront and the CBD. “This location made perfect sense for Neighbourgood as it is already a mixed-use development with retail shops, grocery outlets, fantastic restaurants and coffee shops. An added bonus is the secure underground parking and 24-hour security.”
Clark launched Neighbourgood as a next generation property development and management company primarily in the business of customer service and hospitality. “In my opinion, both of these things have been largely absent from the property industry for as long as I can remember for the simple reason that physical space has always carried such a high value, in both capital and rental terms. Traditional landlords have historically never had to fight for business as vacancies were low, escalation was high, and cash was flowing. Alas that is no longer the case at all,” says Clark.
At the core of Neighbourgood is the sense of community that lies at the heart of what they do, offering members a fully connected experience that integrates accessibility, community and freedom. Both living and working spaces are thoughtfully designed with community in mind creating a sense of togetherness and connection between members. This ultimately speaks to their mission of bringing good into neighborhoods by making living and working spaces better.
