BOXPARK has signed for its first site in the Midlands at Floodgate Street Arches in Digbeth, Birmingham.
The leisure operator has agreed a 15-year lease with The Arch Company for the site, which is scheduled to launch in 2025.
Spanning nearly 17,000 sq ft, the site sits under four 12m railway arches and was previously used for industrial purposes. In addition to a food hall and events space featuring 10 kitchen units and four bars set across two floors, there will be more than 10,500 sq ft of external space for al fresco dining and events.
Simon Champion, CEO of BOXPARK, said: “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, 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, leasing director at The Arch Company, said: “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.”
