In celebrating Women’s Month, the CCID spoke to female leaders in government, business and civic society in the Central City. We published some of their comments in the Winter 2016 issue of City Views. Here is a Q&A with Julie-May Ellingson, CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Stay tuned throughout August to meet more wonder women of the Cape Town CBD.
What brought you to the CBD in the first place?
I moved from Durban in September 2014 to take up the position of chief executive officer at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
What is it about the Cape Town CBD that you enjoy?
Cape Town’s CBD is one of the most vibrant in the world. The success of the CBD can be attributed to three key principles: order, activity and openness. It is well managed and activities such as First Thursdays, City Walk Saturdays and Open Streets Days provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to come together and enjoy our public spaces as a community.
What would you like to see in the CBD that you think would bring more business to the area?
There are a few pockets of the CBD that need to be “enlivened” and this is particularly true of the Foreshore area. Unfortunately, the Foreshore has almost no residential accommodation (apart from a few hotels) and as a result it is relatively desolate in the evenings and on weekends. I would really like to see residential apartments being constructed within this area and it being active seven days a week.
What has been your best time in the CBD?
My favourite monthly event is First Thursdays. I love art and being able to go to the galleries in the evening is a real treat. Add to that the delicious sangria that one can buy on the street and I am in city heaven. The latest addition of a silent disco is brilliant; there is nothing like putting on a pair of funky headphones and dancing in the street with people you have never met before!
If you had a lunch hour free to yourself, how would you spend it in the CBD?
I would go to lunch with friends at one of the many wonderful pavement cafés in the CBD, preferably with a view of the mountain.
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Convention Square, 1 Lower Long St
www.cticc.co.za
021 410 5000