Workshop17 launches future-fit concept inside "The Bank" - their latest facility in Rosebank

The prolonged impact of Covid-19, in particular the need for social distancing, has caused entrepreneurs and corporates to look for new ways of working, as well as alternative workspaces that are flexible, aspirational and affordable. “Companies are looking for solutions that fit the ‘new normal’, where working from home is combined with coming to an office to meet, work together, build culture and be inspired,” says Paul Keursten, Workshop17 co-founder and CEO.
 
The launch of Workshop17 The Bank provides an opportunity for the company to respond to the growing customer demand for workspaces in suburban areas which have grown in popularity as they are both central, and closer to the homes of many. 
 
The most valued address in Rosebank
The new Workshop 17 facility is situated in The Bank, one of the largest, and most significant property developments in Rosebank. 

With its luxurious, eco-chic environment, superb aesthetics and artisanal offerings, The Bank is an iconic destination designed to enhance life, leisure and work. The design marvel and iconic building is located in the heart of the upmarket Rosebank, a cosmopolitan commercial and residential suburb close to central Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s largest cities and the country’s economic powerhouse.
 
The Bank also proudly showcases one of the largest collections of original South African artworks in one location; curated to surprise and delight patrons, while enhancing the captivating ambience of the mid-century modern architecturally designed building. The Bank features more than 800 art pieces ranging from oils, watercolours and acrylic paintings on canvas to charcoal drawings, photographs and collages to create a Mecca of original local art. Many of the artworks were specially commissioned for the building and the collection on display include pieces by Nico Krijno, Gerda Scheepers and Anna Sango. 
 
An exciting new approach 
 
Workshop17, The Bank is suitable for corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises seeking a stylish, character office with all the modern amenities, right in the heart of the bustling Rosebank. Members can choose from 29 stylish offices, ranging in size from 4 - 34 square meters, with the option to combine offices to house larger teams. Workshop17 members also have easy access to voco™, the boutique hotel situated in The Bank, to book an overnight stay and can dine at the Proud Mary restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner or take a walk to other nearby restaurants and cafés to try different local cuisine. 
 
“With feedback from our customers in mind, The Bank facility has less hot desking than our other sites, and more dedicated offices of various sizes which are suited for use full-time by corporates or SMME’s; or for remote workers who need a convenient space for group status check-ins and brainstorming,” says Keursten.
 
Architect Nisha van Hoven led the design team who ensured that all the spaces feature exquisite design touches catered for collaborative and productive working environments. Art is also integral to Workshop17’s presence at The Bank, where the acclaimed curator David Krut Projects presents exclusive works from local artists every few months, with all displayed art for sale.
 
Innovative office solutions
White Box Plus is an innovative flexible workspace solution offered at Workshop17 The Bank that embraces the future of work. The concept provides a new blend between having your own office and being in a flexible workspace. Two floors of luxurious P-grade office space allow for larger organisations and corporates the opportunity to downscale their space and retain their current corporate identity, whilst benefiting from all of Workshop17’s amenities at The Bank facility.
 
Flexible workspaces the logical post-COVID choice
For Keursten, the office of the future is no longer a specific space in one building, but a combination of physical spaces and virtual office resources for meetings, planning and collaboration. “One good thing that has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the change in work culture in which businesses have realised the benefits of remote working. Many companies have started to adopt a hybrid remote-office model / approach in terms of where their employees work from.”
 
He concludes, “Our vision at Workshop17 is to support South Africans to be more productive wherever they are by providing the necessary physical and digital resources. To meet the moment, our catalogue boasts physical and virtual offices, boardrooms, hospitality services, as well as enterprise technology solutions and solutions for workspaces in the home.”
 
On par with global standards
Workshop17 was recently announced as the winner in the Best Co-working Space category during the 3rd Global Finale of the Global Startup Awards (GSA), the world’s largest independent startup ecosystem competition. The Global Startup Awards recognises future-shapers in various industries that show outstanding achievements in business and service to their respective communities. 
Among existing Workshop17 members are a variety of businesses focused on recruitment, fintech, corporate communications, strategy consulting, legal services and education. Members have access to a community of over 1,500 professionals and more than 300 different businesses.