In a move that signals growth for the UK’s hospitality and leisure landscape, BOXPARK, the renowned operator, has disclosed plans for a brand-new establishment in Birmingham. The venue is set to open its doors in 2025 and will mark BOXPARK’s inaugural venture into the Midlands, following its successful expansions into London and other key UK cities.
The company has finalized a 15-year lease contract with The Arch Company for a site located in the Floodgate Street Arches. This area is part of Digbeth, a district in Birmingham that has been undergoing a transformation into a vibrant creative hub.
Previously an industrial district, Digbeth has metamorphosed into a significant creative center in the UK over the past decade. The district is now home to an array of creative enterprises, office spaces, eateries, bars, and leisure facilities.
The Floodgate Street Arches site, which encompasses almost 17,000 sq. ft under four 12m railway arches, is slated for a major overhaul. The redevelopment plans include a spacious food hall and a venue for events, featuring approximately 10 kitchen units and four bars, distributed over two levels. Additionally, an extra 10,500 sq. ft will be allocated for open-air dining and events.
With an investment of around £5 million earmarked for the Digbeth district, BOXPARK aims to generate nearly 200 new employment opportunities for the local populace. The new establishment is also anticipated to draw over a million visitors annually, thereby increasing local foot traffic substantially.
The forthcoming BOXPARK venue aspires to be more than a gastronomic hotspot; it seeks to be a catalyst for local businesses and talents in Birmingham. The venue will offer a plethora of opportunities for both fledgling and well-established food vendors, as well as local artists, creators, and entertainers.
Simon Champion, BOXPARK’s CEO, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to announce the new location for our next BOXPARK venture. Our team has searched extensively for sites in Birmingham since 2016, having considered multiple locations across the city. As a dynamic and fast-growing business, we hope BOXPARK will be an exciting addition to Birmingham. The city’s food, drink and leisure scene has become known as one of the best in the country and we can’t wait to add to that with a space that will support and champion local creatives from food to art, music and beyond.”
Paul Thandi CBE, the newly-appointed Non-Executive Chairman of BOXPARK, added, “Since my recent appointment as Chairman at BOXPARK, I’ve witnessed first-hand the passion, commitment, and creativity from the team to deliver operational excellence and introduce new, innovative concepts to drive footfall to its locations. My experience in regeneration and transformation with the NEC Group, as well as my connection with the City leads to me to have a strong belief that BOXPARK Birmingham will no doubt drive footfall, customer choice, experience and of course, unique entertainment into and around our fantastic site in Digbeth. I think the iconic brand of BOXPARK will be a great addition to the Birmingham offer which is a big driver for me and the business.”
Nick Cridlan, The Arch Company’s Leasing Director, remarked, “BOXPARK shares The Arch Company’s commitment to reuse and repurpose and we’re delighted to welcome them to their new home in Digbeth’s historic railway arches. This letting will see four arches in this burgeoning creative quarter transformed from vacant spaces into vibrant places for independent traders to thrive. This agreement forms part of Project 1000, our plan to bring a thousand empty or derelict spaces across England and Wales back into use by 2030.”
Following the planned opening of BOXPARK Liverpool in the spring of 2024, the Birmingham venue will be the next in line. Earlier this year, BOXPARK also unveiled plans for its upscale brand, BOXHALL, with new locations set to open in Bristol and Liverpool Street, London in 2024. This is part of the company’s broader national expansion strategy, supported by investment from LDC, a leading private equity firm in the UK’s mid-market segment.
Last month, the company announced the appointment of Paul Thandi CBE, the former CEO of the NEC Group, as the new Non-Executive Chairman. Thandi brings extensive experience in brand development, destination creation, and leadership to the table, and will be focusing on the company’s expansion as it fast-tracks its national growth strategy.
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