If you’ve spent the past month at Boxpark Shoreditch chanting football songs and throwing pints during the Euros, consider yourself lucky as that was probably the last time you would be able to do so at this iconic venue.
Boxpark has officially revealed that its Shoreditch location will close at the end of this summer. Believe it or not, Boxpark Shoreditch was always meant to be a ‘temporary pop-up’ but since its opening in 2011, it has most definitely become a landmark spot for East Londoners and football lovers alike.
The first ever Boxpark and apparently the ‘world’s first pop-up mall,’ there’s many things we’ll miss about this venue. Whether it was the variety of food stalls available, the bars, the independent traders – it was first of its kind.
But before you get too emotional, its closing will pave the way for two new locations: Boxpark at Buck Street Market in Camden and a Boxhall at Liverpool Street under a new redevelopment project name called: Bishopsgate Goodsyard. Boxpark will retain its Shoreditch staff and bring along the same tenants – around 250 independent businesses to these new venues. Boxpark has also revealed that it has attracted more than 1.5 million visitors per year.
And of course, Boxpark Croydon and Boxpark Wembley have carried the same success and will continue to do so. The chain is also planning new sites in Birmingham and Bristol following its opening in Liverpool earlier this year.
On the official website, CEO Simon Champion said in a statement: “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.”
Though the exact date is yet to be announced, Boxpark Shoreditch will close by the end of the summer.
This article will be updated as and when more information is announced.