The local co-working office brand also plans expansion across the continent

Workshop17 has redefined South Africa’s co-working office industry.

As the co-working industry continues to grow in the country, Workshop17’s latest state-of-the-art collaborative facility in Cape Town’s City Bowl has moved the company a couple of notches above its competitors.

Comprised of 30 modifiable private offices, hot-desking, café co-working, meeting rooms, boardrooms and a top floor café area, the Kloof Street location has become one of the most sought-after spots in the Mother City – just two months after opening its doors for business. 

The work space in the upmarket Kloof Street, partially owes its popularity to its location with panoramic views of the city and the magnificent Table Mountain. Kloof Street blends work and play. Popular restaurants, shops and hip bars are staple features of the area.

The five-floor building offers human-centric working spaces for everyone – ranging from an individual freelancer to enterprises seeking bespoke office solutions.

A Passion For Entrepreneurs

Workshop17 CEO & Co-founder, Paul Keursten, attributes the brand’s success to passion and a vibrant vision of a flourishing Africa. Keursten elaborates that the newly opened site highlights the company’s commitment to boosting the local economy. 

“The success of our brand has been driven by our passion to help build an inclusive ecosystem of exciting businesses and entrepreneurs that are working to shape a powerful, prosperous Africa,” said Keursten. 

He describes the Kloof Street site as an embodiment of the company’s dedication to quality service. Highly skilled and dedicated on-site community managers are at the forefront of customer service. The office space boasts excellent connectivity and modern technology with all the office nitty-gritties for a plug-and-play environment that provides full functionality for optimal productivity.

“Workshop17 takes care of all customers’ daily needs, so they can focus on what really matters – growing their business,” says Keursten.

“We are driven to create a working environment and community that is inspiring and helps members to become the best they can be in their work. Each of our locations has its own personality and set up, attuned to the area and the building we are in. In this way we attract a variety of members and companies who can tap into a diverse community for networking, sharing and creating opportunities.”

Careful Planning Produces Results

Keursten said the phenomenal interest in the Kloof Street site did not come as a surprise.

“The company’s in-house design team worked with talented local suppliers to produce a beautiful, contemporary setting that balances well-being and productivity,” said Keursten. 

“It is purpose-built to cater for affordable best-in-class hot-desking, café co-working, meeting rooms, boardrooms and a top floor café area with enchanting views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.

“In addition, members have access to brainstorming areas, pause areas, informal meeting booths, and lounges to encourage individuals to network and do business together. All members can enjoy the features on offer, regardless of which membership option they go for.”

The site, on number 32 Kloof Street, comprised of 2 388m², opened its door in September 2019. 

The lower ground floor and large sheltered terrace house a café which is open to the public. Here non-members and members alike can meet and relax; enjoying great food, great coffee and great service. For this, Workshop17 partnered with Big Dog Café, who run cafés in Franschhoek and in the Midlands where they are renowned for their great Terbodore coffee, high quality food and relaxed ambiance.

Collaborative Workspace Fuelling Economic Development

Open and collaborative workspaces are uniquely positioned to foster a thriving business ecosystem that encourages productivity, creativity, innovation, ideas and collaborative working. Workshop17 sites also connect members by holding regular public events supporting entrepreneurship, learning and networking in various fields.

Formerly known as Open Workspaces, Workshop17's first co-working space opened in 2012 in Maboneng, Johannesburg. With a majority-female staff complement of 49, the company’s seven sites host over 1 300 members and 400 companies and SMEs.

Awards For Excellence

For two years in a row, Workshop17 has been awarded the title 'Best Co-working Space' at the Southern Africa Startup Awards, receiving recognition for its services, support and resources to fast-growing start-ups, as well as creating a culture and environment that fosters innovation.

Workshop17 aims to double the number of sites in the coming 3 years and is also looking into expanding into other African countries. Their next two sites will open in Rosebank, a crucial node for Workshop17. 144 Oxford will open in May 2020 and The Bank in July 2020.