Boxpark to open its first site outside London

Development company, Boxpark, has signed a lease to create a landmark seafront dining destination and community cafe on Shoreham Beach.

The Brighton-based firm, who are behind the acclaimed casual dining and retail developments in Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley, have struck an agreement with Adur District Council to create the Big Beach Box on the site of a disused toilet block.

Boxpark are intending to collaborate with Brighton local Dan Stockland to bring the Big Beach Cafe brand to Shoreham and create a multipurpose restaurant/cafe hub centred around supporting local community groups. Shoreham Big Beach Box will also provide a roof terrace, changing rooms, community space and a centre for water sports, and will work with local partners to showcase the best of the regions talent in a vibrant programme of events, workshops and talks at the site.

Councillor Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that these exciting plans are coming to fruition as it will create a vibrant destination which, first and foremost, will be for the local community in this special part of the world.

“This is Boxpark’s first venture outside of London. Bringing a company with their worldwide reputation for creating exciting places for people to eat and drink is a real vote of confidence in our area. It shows that people want to invest in our communities to create more vibrant places for people to live, work and relax with their friends and family.”

Roger Wade, CEO and Founder of Boxpark, added: “We’re incredibly excited to be working with Adur District Council on this new development. As a Brighton local myself, I have cycled past the run-down toilet block many times and see a lot of potential in the site for a new community hub in Shoreham. The Big Beach Box would become a favourite amongst locals whilst also attracting visitors to the world-class beachfront destination.”

The council entered into preferred development agreement with Boxpark for the site in 2017. With the lease now signed, Boxpark will be working with the community to draw up detailed plans for the site with the aim of submitting a planning application later this year.

The Big Beach Box will be the latest in a series of developments which is regenerating Shoreham and the wider area.

Recent years has seen the opening of the £11.5m Adur Ferry Bridge, the creation of award-winning farmers markets in the pedestrianised East Street and a new major office block to accommodate hundreds of jobs.

Work on redeveloping the western harbour arm of Shoreham Port is also ongoing with work on two major schemes to create hundreds of homes well underway.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur District Council’s executive member for environment, said: “For too long this toilet block has been an eyesore, dominating the only major green space on Shoreham Beach. I look forward to seeing what plans Boxpark have for the site and believe it will be an exceptional addition to our area, creating enhanced facilities for the local community and thousands of visitors who come to Shoreham Beach each year.”