How Murray Clark’s Vision Is Changing Cape Town’s Neighbourhoods For Good
Murray Clark, the visionary behind Neighbourgood, is on a mission to bring good to neighbourhoods again, and he isn’t afraid to take on challenges and the ups and downs that go hand-in-hand with property development in Cape Town and beyond. Taking calculated risks has made Murray the successful entrepreneur and innovator that he is today.
As with any epic success story, Neighbourgood stemmed from a few unsuccessful businesses that eventually evolved into what it is now - a focussed and efficient city-wide network of living and working spaces. This model has paved the way for an “intentional community”, as Murray puts it, where members have access to all Neighbourgood locations and community events and activations. The company's infectious love for Cape Town, combined with a strong eye for design, has made the city a more desirable place to live and work. Murray’s own commitment to community has created a strong sense of place for all who choose to embrace the coliving and coworking lifestyle.
But it didn’t happen overnight. Murray has faced numerous challenges along the way, including a rigid and old-school property market. Convincing banks and investors to subscribe to the hybrid and flexible nature of the business is the biggest challenge that he’s had to face to date. Traditionally, property metrics are centred around long-term lease agreements with fixed income in place. Neighbourgood, on the other hand, speaks to the demands of the next-gen consumer - digital nomads and remote workers - and allows for transient forms of income where pricing is seasonal and contracts are flexible. It’s this type of forward-thinking and innovation that Murray possesses that contributes to the success of the business.
Speaking on what drives his belief in the Neighbourgood concept, Murray says: “Having a thorough and whole-hearted belief that what we are building makes more sense than anything else (or any other company) I have ever built is the driving force. It's just an unwavering belief in myself, in our company and in our mission to bring GOOD to neighbourhoods. It's hard not to be optimistic when you have such a strong belief in the product.”
So what does Murray envision for Neighbourgood in the coming year? “We have 5 new Neighbourgood locations opening this year, so we have our hands full for 2023. Our goal is to improve operations and the guest experience across all locations as we integrate our hybrid format across all spaces. Outside of operations for this year, we’re looking at additional growth within Cape Town of another 10-15 buildings. If we’re able to replicate the model we have created in Cape Town in another city, in the US (looking at you, Miami!) or elsewhere, we might look at this as an opportunity, too.”
Murray’s advice to other entrepreneurs is to hold an unwavering belief in themselves, regardless of what others may think. Success doesn’t come overnight; in fact, it requires an iron will, determination and endless resilience. But by keeping the faith and surrounding yourself with a team of incredible people who share in your energy and enthusiasm, great things become possible, and GOOD things are on the horizon.
