According to the CCID Online Residential Survey conducted in October 2014, 29% of CBD residential respondents were self-employed or freelancers.
Co-working refers to people sharing office space, resources, values and ideas but not working for the same organisation. It eliminates the isolation many freelancers and contractors ordinarily experience when they tackle projects. As you’d expect from a trendy downtown such as ours, there are a few co-working spaces in the Central City. To find out what each space has – fast internet is a given – and about the length and terms of the contracts they offer, visit them online or give them a call.
1. Inner City Ideas Cartel
The Inner City Ideas Cartel is tailored for urban innovators and entrepreneurs.
2nd floor, 71 Waterkant St | www.ideascartel.com, 083 635 8413
2. Twenty Fifty
Open to anyone willing to interact, Twenty Fifty’s “clubhouse” is home to everyone from inventors to bakers. They also have an exhibition space.
1st floor, 8 Spin St | www.twentyfifty.co
3. No80 Hout Street
Aimed at creatives, this beautiful loft space counts renowned DJ and graphic designer Bruno Morphet as one of its co-workers.
80 Hout St | www.coworkingcapetown.co.za
Wi-Fi hotspots
Let’s face it, in this day and age we wouldn’t be able to get any work done if it weren’t for internet connectivity. Make use of the free Wi-Fi at these spots.
Latitude 33: A British-owned South African store that stocks Australian surf labels. And they do food too. 165 Bree St | www.lat33.co.za, 021 424 9857
The Field Office: An office away from the office, whether you’re working or pretending to do so! 37 Barrack St | www.pedersenlennard.co.za/cafe, 021 461 4599
Lola’s: A Long Street institution that serves delicious bistro-style food. 228 Long St | www.lolas.co.za, 021 423 0885
Truth Coffee: Named the best coffee shop in the world by respected travel writer Tom Midlane. 36 Buitenkant St | www.truthcoffee.com, 021 200 0440
Harrington Square, The Company’s Garden and upper St George’s Mall Facilitated by the Cape Town Partnership. www.capetownpartnership.co.za, 021 419 1881
This article first appeared in the February/March 2015 issue of City Views. Read it online.
Words: Brent Smith
Photo: courtesy of Inner City Ideas Cartel.