Credit: BOXPARK
Let’s face it, 2025 is now on its way out. It was always unlikely that BOXPARK—with locations already in London and Liverpool—would achieve its dream of opening a new “pop-up mall” in Birmingham before the year was out. We now know it won’t be happening at all.
The award-winning food and events operator initially announced a new food hall at Digbeth’s Floodgate Street Arches in 2023. Scheduled for 2025, it was meant to offer all-day dining and unique evening entertainment—championing local businesses, artists, creators and performers from Birmingham.
With a 15-year lease agreed, taking up under four 12m railway arches, the layout of this new foot hall and events space has already been decided. We were expecting around 10 kitchen units and four internal bars set across two floors, while outside, a sun-trapped spot for al fresco dining, intimate events and two external bars was promised.
Credit: BOXPARK
Working closely with Birmingham City Council to promote local supply chain routes and recruitment, it was believed BOXPARK would be investing around £5 million into the area and creating approximately 200 job opportunities for the local community. What will happen now to the 17,000 sq ft space remains to be seen…
In a statement to I Choose Birmingham, BOXPARK said, “We can confirm that BOXPARK will no longer be proceeding with its planned Birmingham opening. We want to thank everyone who supported the project and remain committed to bringing BOXPARK experiences to new locations in the future.”
What happened? 
Credit: BOXPARK
While we’re not sure why this decision was made, there’s every chance that BOXPARK was fearful of a little competition. This month saw the arrival of the brand-new food hall Society Birmingham at One Colmore Square—boasting five independent kitchens, and one of “the largest selection of beers in the city”.
Also coming very soon is Saint Paul’s Market (a collaboration between Independent Birmingham, Baltic Market and Buddha Belly) to showcase Brum’s very best indie restaurants in the Jewellery Quarter. The 10,000 sq ft venue will feature seven kitchens, two bars and 500 seats over two floors