Coffee space gives community a fresh buzz

Coffee and its relevant elements are woven into community services to create innovative service centers in Shanghai, a city filled with cafes. Behind this effort lies a determination to better serve residents.

Considering the needs of residents, white-collar workers and individuals engaged in new types of careers, the Caoyang neighborhood in Putuo district is collaborating with local coffee brand Manner to create a new coffee area.

Situated on Huaxi Road, the 100-square-meter space opened in January.

Located on the ground floor of the community's Party service center, the space also has copies of the Party journal and books for free to residents among the comfortable tables and chairs.

"The ground floor was once the community canteen, but due to rising demand from the elderly, we relocated it to a larger nearby venue," says Zhang Jiaying, deputy director of the community service center of Caoyang neighborhood.

"While most of the people we serve at the community center are still the elderly, we noticed a significant presence of young professionals. Seeking to infuse a youthful vigor, we chose to bring in this local coffee brand to establish a space for them," she explains.

According to Zhang, the coffee space welcomed many nearby white-collar workers and young individuals since opening, with the elderly also relaxing there in the afternoons. "Some elderly people in Shanghai have liked coffee for a long time and occasionally come in for a cup, too."

The space also functions as support and care center for individuals engaged in new forms of work — those with flexible employment, such as delivery drivers, couriers and security guards.

Zhang says that the service center was just a passing point for delivery drivers in the past, but with the introduction of the coffee brand, it has become a stop for picking up orders. Now, they can walk in to take a break.

"We provide facilities like a microwave for free. Hot water is also provided if they want it," Zhang says.

Besides the coffee area, the service center's upper floor offers a complimentary shared space with activity rooms, meeting rooms and offices.

Zhang says that residents frequently host events like book clubs, dance sessions and children's activities at the community center. Additionally, a museum displays the heritage and history of Caoyang neighborhood.

Zhou Yayun, who works nearby, is a regular at this refurbished coffee space and its service center.

"For those who enjoy coffee, it is a space to relax physically and mentally and enjoy the scenery and books. It offers a sense of greater happiness compared to regular cafes," Zhou says.

In addition, Zhou adds that his company's annual meeting will be held in the service center this year, with around 50 people, including out-of-towners.

"For small and medium-sized businesses lacking the space, using community resources can be a solution," he says.

Having lived in Shanghai for over 20 years, Zhou says that he senses the community's shift from mere management to providing more services.

"I feel that the Caoyang community is becoming more beautiful and well-regulated day by day, a change that I appreciate," he says.

It's not just the Caoyang neighborhood that is progressing. Numerous communities in Shanghai are continuously introducing creative services and care initiatives.

To celebrate Spring Festival, community service centers have arranged activities for both the workforce and residents. For example, the New Year event in the Xinhua neighborhood in Changning district showcased traditional cultural activities like couplet writing, sugar painting, and dough figurine-making, drawing a large crowd. Moreover, the Changshou neighborhood service center hosted a dinner for workers unable to be with their families during the festival.

"I feel that we are truly cared for and loved from all aspects by our local businesses, community services and new workforce," says Zhang.