Plans to open boxpark under railway arches in Digbeth, Birmingham approved

Those behind the plans say Boxpark Birmingham, between Floodgate Street and Milk Street, will be a “transformational new destination” within the area.

After being approved by the city council earlier this month, the “vibrant and exciting” venue is now scheduled to open next year.

It’s set to be Boxpark Ltd’s first site in the Midlands after other venues were opened across London and in Liverpool.

According to a design document, the Digbeth project will celebrate the “cathedral-like character of the found spaces beneath the railway line”.

“Comprising of a sequence of customer spaces within each arch, the proposal includes dining spaces surrounded by food and beverage units and areas to provide uses for social gaming, such as shuffleboard and table games,” it continued.

“Boxpark Birmingham is entirely flexible to provide day and night retail-as-entertainment experience for the whole family.

“The proposal’s open terraces underneath the arches and covered seating areas encourage an active frontage all year round.”

The document went on to say that the proposal would “revitalise” a long-vacant, locally listed historic asset to an “attractive and high-quality entertainment venue”.

“The activation of the facades of both the Floodgate Street and Milk Street entrances to the site will create activity and enhance the visual and physical relationship with the street and wider context,” it continued.

“It will also improve accessibility and inclusive design for all users.”

It added that the Floodgate Street arches provide “the ideal setting” for Boxpark Birmingham and will act as “catalyst” for the regeneration of Digbeth.

Recommending approval, subject to conditions, a council officer’s report said: “The proposal would support the role of Digbeth within the wider city as a cultural hub and night time economy centre, and would have no adverse impact on heritage assets.

“It is therefore considered that the proposal is acceptable.”

Boxpark Ltd has said the new opening will create around 200 new job opportunities for the community and significantly drive footfall to the area.

Ben McLaughlin, chief operating officer, said: “We’re thrilled to have received planning approval and are excited to move forward with the opening of our new site in this vibrant city.

“This will be a big project for the team and our aim is to carefully restore the Floodgate Street Arches while giving it a new lease of life.

“Digbeth’s eclectic and creative business community is perfect match for our ethos of supporting and championing local, independent talent.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for BOXPARK and we look forward to contributing to the area’s continued growth.”