Accommodating city life
More people are finding homes in town and enjoying the associated conveniences
WHEN Anel Grobler and Jan Laubscher bought an apartment in the city 12 years ago the area was mostly populated by drunks drawn by a dodgy bottle store and a striptease joint.
Now it’s hipsters and Vespas and even the bergies have Mohawks.
The couple who run the Spit or Swallow food and wine blog were among the first residents of the East City when Wolroy House in Buitenkant Street was developed for residential use.
Even the banks were suspicious, convinced it would turn into a slum.
Grobler’s bank turned her down for a bond but she went elsewhere and they bought their stylish, open-plan 120m2 apartment for R325 000 in 2003. Today it’s worth around R1.8 million.
It had no water or electricity and they needed to do a lot of renovations including putting in a bathroom and kitchen.
But over the past 12 years they’ve watched the central city transform into an exciting place to live. The bottle store has closed but Mavericks is still going strong, and there are coffee shops like Truth, the Book Lounge, the Fugard Theatre, several bakeries and restaurants.
“My only complaint is there aren’t enough decent bars,” Laubscher says. “Quite a few dive bars and too many coffee shops.”
But it’s safe and the couple who attend many cocktail functions and wine events often walk home at night or use Uber.
The Central City Improvement District says more people are being drawn to the city for convenience and pleasure.
According to its third State of Cape Town Central City Report, there are now around 6 000 people living in the CBD.
Siphesihle Dube moved to the CBD three years ago after graduating from UCT where he had been living in digs in Rondebosch.
He lives in the Perspectives building in Roeland Street which has spectacular views of the city. He loves the proximity to work but also enjoys the social aspect.
He says not having to commute into town every day has made him far more productive.
“I feel much safer in the city. In Rondebosch at one stage students were being mugged in broad daylight and we were also warned about gang initiation rituals targeting students.”
The downsides were that it was pricey renting in the city and didn’t always feel that integrated. He says the block was quite white although the people who came into the city to party and play were quite diverse.
“I do feel comfortable living here and if I stay in Cape Town I’ll definitely remain in the CBD,” the former Durbanite says.
Gaynor Valentine and her boyfriend Pieter van Staaden have been living on the 10th floor of Loop Street Studios for four years after moving from Observatory.
Valentine, who is in HR, loves the vibe of the city and being able to walk to events
Douglas Ian Scott, who works for the Safety Lab project in the CBD, moved to Long Street in November from Rondebosch and estimates it’s saving him around R1 000 a month in petrol.
He loves the convenience of being able to walk to work and go out with his mates for a drink without having to drive home.
Another newcomer to the city is eNCA senior news anchor Andrew Barnes who found a loft apartment in Longmarket Street after house-hunting for three months.
He moved from Mouille Point where he had been renting a penthouse but decided to take the plunge and buy in the city.
“You really can’t be more central; there’s never a shortage of things to see and do and there’s a real vibe in the city.”
He also loves being able to walk everywhere instead of driving.
“Sure, the CBD is noisier than the ’ burbs, but that just makes the golden silence of a Sunday morning all the more sweet.”