The Phillippi Village offers locals job opportunities and means residents will not have to travel long distances in search of work. (Image and Video: Future Cape Town)
An old cement factory in Philippi has been turned into a thriving entrepreneurial complex where the region’s start-ups and growing businesses can build a future.
Philippi is a predominantly low income township of more than 200 000 people on the outskirts of Cape Town. Only 62% of the labour force aged 15 to 64 is employed, and 78% of households have a monthly income of R3 200 or less. The area also has a very large percentage of young people, with 50% of residents aged 24 or younger.
But Philippi Village brings hope to the area. The large entrepreneurial development provides a space where entrepreneurs and businesses can grow and where residents can develop skills and increase their employability.
Its primary aim is to provide the infrastructure to house local businesses. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to cluster and collaborate to strengthen their businesses, stimulating local entrepreneurship and creating promising economic futures within Philippi, according to the village.
It stands to reason that setting up businesses locally will bring local job opportunities, and mean residents will not have to travel long distances in search of work.
The village consists of: The Hub, Village Square, The Container Walk and The Shed.
The Hub is the centre of the village. It is a R120-million development that is designed as a creative and dynamic place that provides secure, accessible and affordable infrastructure where people can meet, host events collaborate and, importantly, locate their businesses locally.
Watch how Philippi Village works:
As its name suggests, the Village Square is an outdoors area designed as a place to spend leisure time, after hours or for small meetings during the day. It is open to recreation, art, music and there is a big screen.
The Container Walk uses reclaimed shipping containers as business premises to help grow start-ups and small businesses. This way, it offers cost effective solutions with the added bonus of full business support and mentoring.
Philippi Village has taken a phased approach and roll out. The entire project and its revenues are for community benefit and for re-investment into future phases of the development. If you are interested in partnering or becoming a social investor, contact the village.
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