City Views spoke to three millennials who are shaping the Central City by enabling the spaces that attract them. In so doing, they are helping improve the area for all generations.
Born between 1980 and 2000, millennials came of age in an era of rapid technological progression. For them, boundaries are not set by geography but by the limitations of their devices. They are collaborators and can reach the world in an instant message.
Despite this, millennials tend to seek out a downtown lifestyle where people prize face-to-face connection in social spaces. Globally, more and more of them are migrating to CBDs.
The CCID’s 2015 online residential survey reflects this, revealing Generation Y is the largest group living in the Cape Town Central City. (44% of all respondents were between 18 and 34.) The area also has many young workers as well as students passing through every day (owing to 82 education institutes).
We found out what attracts them, straight from the horse’s mouth.
Rashiq Fataar
Rashiq Fataar is the MD of Future Cape Town (FCT), which has its office in St Georges Mall. The 30-year-old founded the consultancy online and is redefining civic engagement.
Rashiq says: “I trained as an actuary, and my passion for cities started at the age of seven through Cape Town’s 2004 Olympic bid. While I worked at a large corporate for four years and completed my degree, I started a blog in my spare time. It gained attention and has transformed into an independent NPO that collaborates widely to contribute towards a more visionary, equitable and innovative city, and works on projects to move the city towards this vision.”
To this end, FCT recently undertook a study of Church Square for Urban Lime, a property regeneration company. It evaluated the space across multiple criteria and released a report with recommendations to improve it.
According to Rashiq, the Central City appeals to millennials because it has layers of history, and a relevant contemporary, cultural and entertainment offering. “At the same time,” he says, “there is a sense of potential that speaks to the city’s regeneration thus far and the remarkable future ahead. Millennials want to feel that they are part of this.”
Katlego Maphai
Also working in the CBD is Yoco co-founder and CEO Katlego Maphai. Yoco, based in Loop Street, provides merchants of all sizes with a mobile point of sale application and card acceptance solution. Over 300 retailers and restaurants in the City Bowl have signed up.
Katlego says: “Cape Town is one of the strongest SME environments in South Africa. There’s a lower concentration of big corporates than Johannesburg and, as such, people are more likely to start a venture or work for one.”
The 33-year-old believes the CBD appeals to millennials because a sense of connection is something they value. “It is vibrant, with a lot going on. Importantly, we are surrounded by our customers and remain grounded as a result. We are also surrounded by partners who help us to deliver our service.
“Additionally, the CBD’s ever-changing environment forces us to be forward looking. This is critical for a venture.”
Kyle Lucky
The CBD is also home to an increasing amount of so-called “third spaces” catering to millennials. This term refers to the social realm outside the home and the office, and includes community centres, cafés, bars and even barber shops. According to urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg, these hangouts are the heart of a community’s social vitality.
A three-in-one venue at 61 Harrington St epitomises this concept. Managed by hospitality group The Firm, it includes District (an events venue and night club), Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, and SurfaRosa (a dive bar). Kyle Lucky (30) – the vocalist in hard rock band Dead Lucky and hardcore punk band One Eight Seven – manages the latter.
He says: “SurfaRosa is super laid back. Anyone is welcome. We’re all about good times and taking it easy. My dream is to smash through the class and subcultural lines and have everyone hang out together as one people.”
For Kyle, this melting pot is energising: “I love the hustle and grind of the CBD. It keeps your mind sharp and your heart strong.”
Many agree. According to the CCID’s 2015 online residential survey, 91% of all respondents, ranging from millennials to retirees, frequented The Company’s Garden and 80% ate out at least once a week. It seems whether you’re a member of Gen X, a baby boomer, the iGeneration or the millennial in the middle, you will find a place to socialise in the Central City. It’s thanks in no small part to the latter that these spaces continue to thrive.
Find social spaces (eateries and public spaces) in the Central City.
Main photo and photo of Katlego Maphai by Gregor Röhrig
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