Plans to open the first BOXPARK venue outside London in Liverpool could be agreed next week.
Last year it was confirmed that the award-winning dining, retail and leisure operator - which already operates three sites in the capital - is planning to open up a new complex within the Cains Brewery Village in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle area.
If the plans are approved at a meeting of Liverpool Council's planning committee next Tuesday (January 31) , BOXPARK will take over the historic Canning Hall. The site will be transformed into a food hall and events venue including a large internal space with units set over the ground floor, a small internal mezzanine, and an external terrace.
Planning officers have recommended that the committee approves the plans next week. If it does then BOXPARK's Liverpool site would aim to be up and running in late 2023.
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The planning statement for the application states: "Boxpark’s concept began in 2011 with the creation of the first ‘pop-up’ dining and shopping destination in Shoreditch. Following on from these successes, further venues have been established in Croydon and Wembley. Boxpark are now looking to create an exciting new food, drink and entertainment venue at Cains Brewery Village.
"It is proposed to repurpose the existing Canning Hall building, currently occupied by a range of users including Red Brick Market and a small bar, with other beverage outlets occupying the external areas fronting Parliament Square. The proposals require internal and external alterations to the site to create a series of food and drink kiosks, a bar area and a range of supporting facilities. A series of shipping containers will be utilised around the outside of the street alongside Parliament square to create a vibrant external terrace. area."
It is hoped that the development will boost the local Liverpool economy and create around 150 local job opportunities. Full planning permission is being sought to change the use of the existing building and outdoor terrace area and to install an internal mezzanine for use as a food, drink and entertainment venue.
Set over 16,000 sq ft, the venue will be able to accommodate 400 people inside, plus 200 outside. The proposals for BOXPARK Liverpool will include around 10 kitchen units, three internal bars with additional external bars.
There will also be a 5,430 sq ft external terrace to offer al fresco dining and intimate events. BOXPARK has agreed a 15-year lease with Cains Brewery Village for the site.
When the plans were first announced last year, Simon Champion, BOXPARK CEO, said: “We are thrilled to announce such a fantastic location for our next BOXPARK venture. Our team have searched extensively for sites in Liverpool since 2016, having considered multiple locations across the city but we believe the Cains Brewery Village is perfect for this scheme.
“As a dynamic and fast-growing business, we hope BOXPARK will be an exciting addition to Liverpool’s buzzing food and drink scene, offering an all-day food and entertainment destination.”
Harj Dusanj, Cains Brewery Village managing director, said: “We are incredibly excited to be welcoming the first BOXPARK-branded venture outside London to Cains Brewery Village.
"BOXPARK shares our passion and enthusiasm to showcase the best independent street-food businesses in the heart of Liverpool’s creative quarter. Within this new social destination expect greater live experiences and opportunities for sport and music fans to celebrate the not-to-be-missed moments at Cains Brewery Village.”
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