In the Autumn 2017 issue of its quarterly newspaper, City Views, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) published a guide to 10 hot and happening downtown trends in 2017.
1. Coworking
According to the CCID, coworking is so hot right now. Exemplified by the likes of Inner City Ideas Cartel, which has recently expanded to include Cartel House (pictured above), there are 11 such spaces in the Central City. The rest are №80 Hout Street, Spin Street House, 75 Harrington, La Macchina Workspace, Regus, The Bureaux, Cube Workspace, Siyelo CoWork and Work & Co.
2. Veganism
Not eating and using animal products is gaining traction in Cape Town, with the CBD home to some of the best-known vegan eateries and shops in the city, says City Views.
For a list of vegan eateries, check out the Autumn issue of City Views, or download the original version of this article below.
3. Millennials
The results of the CCID’s third annual residential survey (October 2015) revealed a largely millennial downtown. The biggest proportion of respondents (37%) were between 25 and 34. A further 7% were between 18 and 24. That means 44% of CBD residents were born after 1980.
4. Gastropubs
A gastropub is a bar and restaurant that also serves high-end food. The CCID has noticed an increase in these as restaurateurs tap into a market hungry for casual but delicious dining.
For a list of gastropubs, check out the Autumn issue of City Views, or download the original version of this article below.
5. Loop Street
Remember how Bree Street was the new Long Street? The CCID reckon Loop Street will be the new Bree. Galleries, restaurants, clubs: it has it all.
6. Biker bars
Café racer culture is alive and well in the Central City. There are places where you can don your armour, and motorcycle showrooms too.
For a list of biker bars and motorcycle showrooms, check out the Autumn issue of City Views, or download the original version of this article below.
7. The Foreshore
A couple of years ago, the Foreshore resembled a giant car park. But with the completion of The Towers redevelopment and Media24 upgrade, it started to shift gears, says the CCID. There are several development projects underway, including the CTICC expansion and building of KPMG’s new offices. The new Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital also recently opened its doors.
8. Rooftop bars
Everybody loves a view when they’re having a drink, and there are CBD spots that are happy to oblige.
For a list of rooftop bars, check out the Autumn issue of City Views, or download the original version of this article below.
9. Surfing
For a downtown with no direct connection with the sea, there are loads of surf shops in the Central City.
For a list of surf shops, check out the Autumn issue of City Views, or download the original version of this article below.
10. New apartments
The conversion of Triangle House into the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence has ushered in a new era of high-rise living in the Central City. Situated in Riebeek Street, it is currently the tallest residential block in Cape Town, but will soon lose that crown to 16 on Bree, which launched in March. The Sentinel in Leeuwen Street is a new build that should start transferring by the end of the year. Also on the cards are Urban on Bree, the Zero-2-One Tower and Goldies.
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Picture above supplied by Inner City Ideas Cartel