NTIA demands ‘immediate action’ to save Boxpark Shoreditch

The closure announcement of the site, which opened in 2011 as a ‘meanwhile use’ scheme at the Bishopsgate Goodsyard, was confirmed in a statement earlier this month (July).

NTIA boss Michael Kill said: “Boxpark Shoreditch exemplifies the exact issue faced across the country with red tape and restrictive regulatory controls stalling business investment.

“This has to stop. People are fed up. The new Government has made an amazing start and I call on them to reach into the local authority and invigorate the local planning department and Hackney Council to find a solution.”

According to the trade body, public sentiment is the site must be preserved and the community is prepared to ‘rally, protest and escalate this issue to national attention if necessary’.

As reported by The Morning Advertiser​’s sister title Restaurant​, ​the group reached the expiration of its lease in Shoreditch earlier this year and notice on the premises was subsequently served by landlords Bishopsgate Goodsyard after planning was granted by the Mayor of London for the development of the site.

Boxpark then entered negotiations to extend the occupancy of the site with the landlords, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets but later announced it would vacate the premises by the end of the summer.

Campaign initiated

Boxpark founder Roger Wade added: “We regret to announce that Boxpark Shoreditch will be closing.

“Despite our recent efforts in collaboration with the GLA, Hackney Council and our landlords BGY, we must close due to a planning requirement.

“Unfortunately, the developers will not start building immediately, which makes this decision even more disheartening, especially since our neighbours Power League received an extension.

“Since its launch in October 2011, Boxpark Shoreditch, the world’s first pop-up, has created more than 1,000 jobs, contributed over £80m each year to the local economy and in excess of £1bn since opening, launched hundreds of independent businesses and welcomed more than 10m visitors.”

“We have initiated a campaign to save Boxpark Shoreditch, Your help and support would be greatly appreciated.”

The campaign, which has been spearheaded by the NTIA, calls for industry members to sign an open letter to Hackney Council that warns the closure ‘would be absolutely catastrophic for the area’ and ‘would not only impact the businesses and individuals directly involved but would also signify a major setback in the ongoing regeneration efforts in Shoreditch’.

The letter will also be copied to the secretary of state for business and trade Jonathan Reynolds as well as local councillors and MPs.

Misdirected campaign

Hackney Council cabinet member for delivery, inclusive economy and regeneration Guy Nicholson said: “Boxpark’s contribution to Shoreditch’s reputation as one of the capital’s most-visited and well-managed destinations has been exemplary and it’s plain to see how their experience in Shoreditch has enabled them to expand to other locations in the UK.
“Unfortunately, this is an entirely misdirected campaign. Boxpark was always intended as a temporary use for the site. Their energies should be focused on discussing a solution with the owner of the site and the developers, not generating a row with planning authorities. “Hackney and Tower Hamlets councils don’t own this site nor are they the developers. “Neither council is able to use planning powers to delay progress on a development that has long held planning permission from the Mayor of London.
“Hackney remains open to continuing to assist with discussions with all partners to see if a solution can be found between owners, developers and Boxpark to extend the period it trades on the Shoreditch site before its move to Liverpool Street.

“We also understand that Boxpark will be offering its tenants premises in other Boxpark schemes in London, which we support.
“The redevelopment of Bishopsgate Goodsyard will bring significant benefits to Hackney and Tower Hamlets, including 500 homes, of which half are affordable, 9,000sqm of affordable workspace, 450sqm of affordable retail and start up space, a new public park, two new high streets, cultural infrastructure and £8.3m of community investment for Hackney.

“This investment has been in the making for two decades and is in jeopardy should work not commence. Its loss cannot be described - as it has been by some - as a ‘niche planning requirement’.”