The Ballito Junction refurbishment will see co-working space provider Workshop17 (W17) open its first flexible workspace in KwaZulu-Natal and enable entrepreneurs, remote workers and decentralised teams to operate from the mall.

Mixed-use properties have seen increased demand over the past few years and this trend, combined with the growth of remote working, has led to collaboration between the mall and the co-working space provider, property company Ballito Junction says.

The opening date for the upgraded and refurbished Ballito Junction is November 30. However, the new flexible workspace will open in the first quarter of 2024, after the completion of the upgrade and enclosure of the mall’s original 10 000 m².

The refurbishment will also see international brands, such as Starbucks and Krispy Kreme, coming to the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

Further, Catia Restaurant, previously Piccadilly Café, has launched a new bespoke dining concept for the Ballito market, the company said.

W17 aims to establish flexible workspaces in South Africa’s main residential nodes, explains W17 CEO and co-founder Paul Keursten.

“We support convenient and sustainable lifestyles for W17 members, and because our locations are close to where they live and socialise, they can network with local and national communities. Our network of locations across the country also caters for companies that have national footprints or dispersed teams.

“The pandemic saw a greater adoption of work-from-home, routines which have resulted in businesses of all sizes shifting away from traditional offices, working styles and towards more flexible and shared workspaces. People now have more choice than ever before on where and how to work,” he adds.

Additionally, people in higher-income brackets, including families semigrating from Gauteng, are relocating to the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. They are attracted by the quality of life it offers, its secure estate living and easy access regionally, nationally and internationally, says property development company Flanagan and Gerard Group MD Paul Gerard.

“This inspired the decision to introduce bespoke workspace solutions to the region. We felt the timing was perfect. Many professionals will now be able to have a quality work environment within Ballito Junction,” he says.

Ballito Junction engaged with W17 to create a collaborative work environment that allows like-minded people to be productive together and fosters a sense of community among them, adds the retail property development investment company that co-owns Ballito Junction mall Menlyn Maine director Carl Jankowitz.

“Through this partnership, Ballito Junction aims to create a central square for the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. By bringing together flexible workspaces, a variety of shopping options, and the region’s best restaurants and entertainment, Ballito Junction will provide the optimal setting for work and play,” he avers.

Further, the collaboration between Ballito Junction and W17 is an example of how the combination of shopping centres and workspaces can create more engaging, creative and productive work environments.

Additionally, it creates space for partnerships with retailers too, which encourages vibrant and larger community-based ecosystems for workers and customers, Keursten says.

“Shared facilities reduce friction and offer easy access to retail outlets and eateries, banking services, medical care and entertainment. You can now go out for after-work drinks or dinner without having to get into your car,” he comments.