Monday, August 30, 2021
On 25 March it was announced that the Townhouse Hotel would be closing its doors after five decades as one of Cape Town’s most recognisable hospitality landmarks. The announcement hinted that the new owners had plans to resurrect the hotel in a different form, adding to the investment value of the East City precinct and the Cape Town CBD.
Less than six months later, on Monday the 16th of August, the doors on the corner of Corporation and Mostert street reopened as Neighbourgood East City, South Africa’s first hybrid co-living, co-working and hospitality concept.
“Given the isolation we have all experienced over the last year and a half due to the pandemic, people are searching for living and workspaces that offer a sense of place, community, flexibility and affordability,” says Murray Clark, founder and Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourgood. “We believe the City of Cape Town is one of the best cities in the world to live in. With flexible work trends allowing people across the globe to have a more nomadic lifestyle, Neighbourgood as a brand is well-placed to deliver an integrated living, working and lifestyle space solution for its members.”
The concept offers a solution for what young working professionals need (contemporary, affordable accommodation) and adds the convenience of fully furnished suites, common areas where the like-minded residents can meet while they work or relax, and exceptional amenities including free WIFI and weekly cleaning services, all under one cost-effective bill.
In a nostalgic cap-tip to the old Townhouse, the 100+ suites have kept the same names, Snug (15 to 18 sq. m.) – great for short-stay guests, those staying 1 to 3 months and anyone on a budget, Cosy (23 to 25 sq. m.) – the biggest percentage of suites on offer, perfect for both long and short stays, and
Comfort (30 to 33 sq. m.) – larger suites with private balconies, a freestanding bath, and a much bigger living area.
Each stylishly designed suite features an en suite bathroom and desk area. Members can have as much privacy or sociability as they like. Shared spaces include a MasterChef-style kitchen, contemporary dining and workspaces, and a common lounge area.
Neighbourgood East City will also contribute to the inner city’s ongoing revival, adding much-needed investment value to an area that has felt the effects of an extended national lockdown, Clark adds.
The property is the first hotel-to-residential co-living conversion of its kind in the country, but it may not be the last: Neighbourgood is in the process of working with a number of other hotels, guesthouse and property owners who are looking to do the same.
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