A new Cape Town Central City development – comprising an aparthotel, spa and innovative ground-floor retail space in the form of a food market – is changing the face of the Parliamentary precinct.
Located in the East City at 91 Plein Street, the Urban Oasis aparthotel, eatery, and spa is housed in a heritage building dating back to between 1840 and 1860. The building used to be occupied by an independent publishing house, Chames, which was reportedly dedicated to “searching for truth while reporting the injustices of the times”.
The transformation of the building “mostly on the inside” began in 2017, and all the hard work and strict compliance to heritage rules culminated in the aparthotel and retail section officially opening on 15 December 2020. The spa opened its doors in January 2021.
The aparthotel and spa with 31 rooms on two floors is a welcome addition in an area of which the investment value has been rising in recent years. With rooms ranging from R899 to R1 199 per night, the development also means both visitors and Capetonians looking to stay in the CBD have a new option in this vibrant part of town where there are slim pickings when it comes to accommodation.
Urban Oasis Aparthotel rooftop pool.
MORE THAN JUST A HOTEL
Urban Oasis is owned by wife-and-husband team Nawaal and Gerhart Wiencke. Nawaal Wiencke, who comes from a Human Resources background, says she and her husband, an engineer, have been doing property management for several years and manage long-term and short-term apartments in Buitenkant and Roeland streets.
When an opportunity presented itself to develop the building, they planned an aparthotel with a spa. “The eatery came later,” she says.
This decision led to Urban Oasis becoming a three-in-one venue with the ground floor turning into an open-plan retail space for The Urban Eatery, which comprises 10 stalls and includes a bar and coffee shop with coffee from Kamili.
The food selection at this Halal-friendly diner includes burgers, pizzas, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine, desserts and a “fresh bar” with healthy options including smoothies and salads.
The airy, welcoming space is fitted with comfortable seating, giving patrons a choice of ordering from the range of food stalls to either take away or enjoy in situ.
Striking works by South African cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, popularly known as Zapiro, feature inside the food market (and are for sale) while works by Cape Town artist Donnie Totton adorn the walls throughout the aparthotel and spa.
The glamorous bar inside Urban Eatery.
UPLIFTING FOOD RETAILERS
General Manager Tasneem Jainodien says the owners were keen to uplifting the local community and support food vendors. “The food vendors were presented with an opportunity to expand their businesses during the pandemic, which put a stop to all food markets and events,” she explains. “At the Urban Eatery, they have been exposed to a different setting, which the owners hope will also help them grow their businesses.”
The three businesses, which employ 28 people, complement each other and give customers “value for money”. “It’s a one-stop-shop service and a home away from home,” says Nawaal Wiencke.
The entrepreneur, who is also the HR manager, notes that working with a varied group is adding value to the business. “This is new territory for us, and the challenges are there, but it has been great to see the eagerness and creativity. Everyone here is trying and pulling together to make this a success,” she says.
To entice patrons, Urban Eatery allows customers to have drinks on the roof by the pool and has a range of specials. To attract visitors to the aparthotel and spa, Urban Oasis currently has discounts on treatments and accommodation.
NEW BUSINESS DURNIG COVID-19
Opening a new business has its challenges and more so during a pandemic. But the Wienckes have not been deterred and are optimistic that foot traffic to the venue will increase.
What’s positive is the business has already established a good rapport with staffers from the Deeds Office in Plein Street. They have become regulars and receive a discounted rate on breakfast. “Under the circumstances, business is a bit slow but we’re hopeful it’ll get better,” she says.
With developers continuing to come up with creative solutions to improving the colourful East City, there is no doubt that the area is poised for growth, which bodes well for all Central City stakeholders who “live”, “work”, “stay” or “play” in downtown Cape Town.
IMAGES: CCID