Paarden Eiland enjoys a period of regeneration

The environmental and spatial planning policy is intended to increase public investment and economic development in the area, change land use from industrial to mixed-use and encourage more efficient movement between the east and west - essentially kicking off the upliftment and rejuvenation of one of the city's oldest and most ignored areas. Until that point the Paarden Eiland corridor had been suffering from urban blight, deterioration and stagnation.

In actuality, Paarden Eiland has a long history in the development of the entire Western Cape area. Its location is central to the airport, CBD and other residential areas; it offers one of the most affordable per square meter rentals in the Cape Town vicinity and it is well connected to various public transport links and major highways. In fact, with the areas historical credibility and these relatively new changes to policy, over the past few years many leading businesses and brands now call the area home.

Infinity Studios is but one business contributing to the area's upliftment. A multi-functional studio set in the heart of Paarden Eiland, the space is a blank canvas for creatives offering a chic photo lounge, infinity curve wall, a fully equipped studio kitchen and an intimate event venue with gorgeous views of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the CBD.

Owner of Infinity Studios, James Pople says, "I've always been intrigued by Paarden Eiland and over the past few years I've seen a lot of change here. I had to be part of that. Contributing towards the upliftment of such a significant part of Cape Town's history and economy is really important to me".

In addition to refurbished showrooms, factory shops and new creative spaces like Infinity Studios, Paarden Eiland property is on the rise. Property company, Inospace entered the area in recent years adding it to the portfolio of their Urban Regeneration Programme precincts, "which aims to unlock potential in older industrial zones by introducing modern, people-centric spaces and services without the gentrification of heritage buildings or neighbourhoods, or the displacing of long-term residents", Inospace says. Their objective is to "help steer the city towards a more inclusive, integrated and environmentally friendly future".

Aside from industrial and commercial building renovations new mixed-use rezoning has encouraged the opening of a Vide é Cafe, boardrooms for hire and co-working spaces amongst others. Even the fresh organic food delivery company, Wild Organics, has its headquarters in Paarden Eiland.

In 2015, the City of Cape Town launched a MyCiTi route that travels along a reclaimed railway link through the Paarden Eiland industrial area featuring station artwork depicting things that are synonymous with the area. The artwork at Section station is by renowned artist David Hlongwane, based on the concept of people coming and going. At Neptune station movement, distance and the experience of travelling are evoked by the work of Sanjin Muftic, and at Vrystaat station one will find a series of painted figures that relate to people in transit by artist Arlene Amaler-Raviv.

In 2017, CityROCK moved its premises to Paarden Eiland siting the "size and height of the buildings with lots of safe parking" the reason for the move. Bloc 11 Climbing and Fitness and Jump Around trampoline park are yet more examples of fun indoor family activities based in Paarden Eiland.

In 2018, mobile bar service provider, The Perfect Serve, moved from Killarney to Paarden Eiland for its more central location to venues and more affordable R/m² rental rates.

Pople concludes, "Paarden Eiland is turning into a beautiful space for work and play. The way businesses are structured nowadays with people working flexi time, using shared office space and satellite workstations you don't have to be situated in main hubs anymore. Paarden Eiland is definitely an area to consider when thinking about a move, no matter what business you're in".