BOXPARK plans no longer going ahead

Major plans to open a new BOXPARK under historic railway arches in Digbeth are now no longer going ahead.

The proposals, which were given the green light by council planners last year, said BOXPARK Birmingham would be a “transformational new destination”.

The “vibrant and exciting” venue was scheduled to open this year between Floodgate Street and Milk Street, and become BOXPARK’s first site in the Midlands.

But in a statement issued this week, BOXPARK confirmed it would 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,” it added.

According to a design document for the plans, the Digbeth project would have celebrated the “cathedral-like character of the found spaces beneath the railway line”.

“BOXPARK Birmingham is entirely flexible to provide day and night retail-as-entertainment experience for the whole family,” it said.

The document also said the proposal would have ‘revitalised’ a long-vacant, locally listed historic asset to an “attractive and high-quality entertainment venue”. “

Recommending approval last year, 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.”

The new opening was also set to create 200 new job opportunities for the community.

Ben McLaughlin, chief operating officer, said last year: “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 a perfect match for our ethos of supporting and championing local, independent talent.”