Hot new spot for Newtown

The place is packed with top-notch retailers who have everything from fashion and food to handmade hats and jewellery.

Tenants include Dr Pachanga, a fashion, visual art and design concept store; artist Crystal Birch who has brought her hat-making experience to her colourful store – where even Black Coffee has bought gorgeous items – alongside a number of other incredible stores.

Trevyn McGowan, the curator of the space, said she was introduced to Atterbury Property Developers by Maira Koutsoudakis, the CEO of LIFE, which is an architecture, interiors and creative firm that spruces up resorts across the world. “She knew they were looking for something different to the mall environment already present in the precinct, so she linked us up. Atterbury wanted to create a retail space that was unconventional, and so we were brought in to curate, design and run it.”

McGowan insists that Work Shop New Town is special. “[It’s] such a strong platform for local design, showcasing over 100 local brands in fashion, design, beauty and lifestyle. Being the biggest hub for African fashion makes it a must-visit destination, and the interactive events we hold… make this a space for collaboration, exchange and interaction between brands, forming a real atmosphere of creativity.” The events mentioned include a number of markets, exhibitions and a weekly urban picnic that is planned to launch in March.

“It’s a real celebration of Joburg’s urban, historic and cultural development, with the interiors reflecting elements such as the gold-mining past and the fact that this space used to be the busiest market space in the city – the old potato shed,” stated McGowan.

She added that the centre was perfect for anyone who loved supporting local talent and said it had something for everyone, including beauty products and services such as hair styling and even a nail bar. “It’s within a pedestrianised precinct at Newtown Junction, with undercover parking for 2 000 vehicles, it’s completely family-friendly.”

Work Shop New Town will be hosting Pic Nic New Town, which will be held every Saturday on the green lane outside complete with live entertainment and picnic baskets on offer. The centre will also be opening Town in March, an Afro-Asian eatery. There will also be First Thursday, where all the spaces around the precinct open into the night on the first Thursday of every month. First Thursday will begin in March.

Details: www.workshopnewtown.com