The space is in its final phase of fit out and is now calling for entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses to apply for membership.
With possibly the fastest internet available to end users in South Africa, Workshop17 provides a host of easily discoverable technologies designed to enhance productivity. With 1Gbps of unshaped internet capacity, Workshop17 provides a technologically rich environment for innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics and policy makers, to work, meet, showcase and host events.
Explaining the vision behind Workshop17, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, David Green said, "Our plan was to create a space in which start-ups and experienced companies, profit and non-profit, big and small, could come together to collaborate and innovate. The space will facilitate a community of passionate, innovative and interesting people, learning and working together to create new solutions."
Green goes on to explain the reason why the business is investing in such a project, and not seeking full commercial return, "Economic growth and job creation in South Africa will largely be driven by entrepreneurship and innovation, and as such, the fostering of small businesses and entrepreneurs is a key focus within our business. The focus for this project is impact investing."
Elaborating on the ethos behind Workshop17, Paul Keursten from OPEN said, "Workshop17 will go beyond a traditional co-working space. We are creating a multifunctional platform on which people and organisations can work, share, innovate and showcase. On this platform everyone is treated equally: it is a level playing field where personal passion, ideas and contributions matter and status and hierarchy are left at the door."
"We build on the idea that new solutions come about when people from various backgrounds come together and exchange ideas. At OPEN, we often witness how unexpected meetings and exchanges bring inspiration and new opportunities. Workshop17 will provide a space where these positive accidents can happen frequently."
There is a reasonable and flexible pricing structure making membership accessible to all.
Drop in and hourly rates are available, while hot-desking rates start from R1,500 per person, per month. Meeting rooms and event space are also available for hire at competitive prices. This is backed up by world-class facilities and services.
We invite anyone to apply. Applications will be reviewed based upon their ability to both benefit from and contribute in a complementary manner to the Workshop17 community.
Workshop17 is housed in the Watershed building, above the highly successful craft and design market, and has stunning views overlooking a working dry dock and Table Mountain.
Those interested in taking space in Workshop17 are invited to apply by logging onto www.workshop17.co.za or contacting az.oc.nepo@71pohskrow.
