News of the Shoreditch closure has been circulating for several weeks, but was confirmed by Boxpark in a statement yesterday (18 July).
Boxpark Shoreditch opened in October 2011 as a ‘meanwhile use’ scheme at the Bishopsgate Goodsyard site near Shoreditch High Street station.
Dubbed as ‘the world’s first pop-up mall’, the success of the Shoreditch site eventually led Boxpark to open further London sites in Croydon and Wembley.
It subsequently expanded beyond the capital with the launch of Boxpark in Liverpool earlier this year.
Boxpark recently reached the expiration of its lease in Shoreditch and notice on the premises was subsequently served by landlords Bishopsgate Goodsyard after planning permission was granted by the Mayor of London for the redevelopment of the 4.5 hectare site.
“When we launched Boxpark Shoreditch in October 2011, it was the world’s first pop-up mall,” says Roger Wade, founder of Boxpark.
“Since then, we created over 1,000 jobs, supported 100+ independent businesses and attracted over 10 million visitors.
“As we close this chapter, my gratitude also goes out to all the dedicated staff and local community for their unwavering support throughout the years.”
Boxpark is already in discussions with key stakeholders about developing a new offering for Shoreditch, but in the meantime all its staff and tenants will be relocated to its other sites.
This includes its soon-to-launch site in Camden on the site of the Buck Street Market shipping container food and retail complex.
The Group also has plans to open its debut sibling F&B brand Boxhall in Liverpool Street later this year.
“Whilst our time in our current site at Shoreditch is coming to an end, we look forward to celebrating all that we have achieved at the venue over the summer before we go on to relaunch Buck Street Market in Camden and mark the launch of our first Boxhall branded site in Liverpool Street this year,” says Simon Champion, Boxpark CEO.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the millions of customers, tenants, and partners we have welcomed and worked with over the last 12 years.
“As a result of their energy and vibrancy, Boxpark Shoreditch has become synonymous with the rise of Shoreditch as the heart of London’s creative industries and we are happy that we have played a role in the wider regeneration of the area along with our track record in delivering jobs and training for local young people, which has delivered significant reductions in deprivation levels in our local community.
“With Shoreditch being our home for so many years, we hope to return as soon as we find the right opportunity.
“However, in the remaining time we have left in Shoreditch we will work as hard as possible to support our team with the transition and aim to relocate our 30+ tenants and their staff at our other sites, whilst giving all our wonderful customers an unforgettable farewell.”
As well as its expansion in London, Boxpark also plans to continue its regional expansion with the long-planned opening of Boxhall Bristol.
