Developers have begun the search for seven Bristol food traders to form the opening line-up of a forthcoming multi-million pound food hall by the city’s docks.
The company behind London’s famous restaurant and shopping concept Boxpark is working with property firm Cordwell to redevelop two historic former O&M boat sheds on Welsh Back, in the city centre.
The venue - which will be called BoxHall - is Boxpark’s first outside of the capital and is expected to create more than 100 jobs when it opens in summer 2023.
Applications have now opened for seven independent food retailers to occupy commercial kitchens at BoxHall, which will also function as a music venue to showcase Bristol artists.
Each selected trader will be provided with a fully fitted kitchen worth around £100,000, which Boxpark said would allow businesses to start trading without significant financial outlay - often a barrier to food retailers looking to expand into new premises.
Boxpark has appointed Michelin-star chef Josh Eggleton, whose restaurant group includes Bristol’s The Pony Bistro and The Kensington Arms, as the venue’s new food ambassador and he will assist the selection process.
Mr Eggleton said: “Over the next few months, we’ll be taking registrations of interest and from there we’ll be looking to create a food offering that’s representative of Bristol’s incredible food culture.
“The search is going to be a wide and diverse one, it’s intended to be open to all kinds of operators and the way the tenancy works, with the reduced capital outlay on the operator, there’s a real chance to make something different and special.”
Boxpark’s chief operating officer Ben Mclaughlin added: “Bristol has a phenomenal reputation as a culinary city and we’re incredibly excited to be working alongside Josh in our search. His reputation in the region is unparalleled and his knowledge and experience of the regional landscape will be invaluable.”
Work on the 20,000 sq ft project, which was originally slated to be ready in summer 2022 and then Easter 2023, is now underway, after Boxpark founder and former chief executive Roger Wade said the planning stages had taken “a little longer than expected”.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees added: “The development of BoxHall on Welsh Back is another vote of confidence in our city centre and in Bristol’s recovery from the pandemic. Their first venture outside London will create another 100 new jobs for Bristol, and regenerate derelict sheds along our docks.
“I’m excited to see the new BoxHall– and meet some of the traders the team selects alongside Josh to help make it another special stop in Bristol’s food scene.”
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