INTERIOR architecture and design studio Macaulay Sinclair has revealed the design concept that has shaped the highly anticipated BOXHALL City; the first new dining concept from the creators of BOXPARK since 2011.
Departing from BOXPARK’s iconic shipping container-based venues, BOXHALL City will focus on repurposing existing heritage and industrial buildings, offering a contemporary food hall experience.
Set to launch this week, the major 800-capacity social dining venue is located in the historic Metropolitan Arcade, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station.
Macaulay Sinclair’s design philosophy for BOXHALL City prioritises the preservation of the Arcade’s rich heritage, which originally opened in 1912. The Edwardian shopping arcade, built on the site of the former Metropolitan Railway station, boasts a striking 100-yard long and 18-foot-wide glazed roof.
Mike Sinclair, director at Macaulay Sinclair, said: “When it comes to heritage sites, we have a deep understanding of how to develop designs that are respectful of the building’s history while still creating a dynamic and engaging dining environment. The structure of the arcade naturally dictated the arrangement of 13 kitchens and two beer halls, with communal seating flowing beneath the spectacular glazed roof.
“Important features have been meticulously preserved and showcased, including exposed steelwork beams and columns, original concrete flooring and ceilings, and original timber shopfronts, which have been adapted into kitchen frontages. The stand-out feature is undoubtedly the linear arcade space and its grand canopy.”
The design palette, predominantly monochromatic, features black gloss flooring, concrete tile kitchen counters, blackened steel detailing, black-stained timber panelling, and industrial-style lighting, offering a refined industrial aesthetic.
The two beer halls offer distinct experiences; Beer Hall One boasts a mix of banquette seating, high-level communal tables with stools, and loose tables and chairs within a tall-ceiling space, complete with painted-out black exposed services. Beer Hall Two features dining-height communal tables and bench seating in a low-ceiling space for a more intimate atmosphere.
Mike added: “BOXHALL City represents a new chapter for BOXPARK, focusing on transforming city centre locations with a focus on heritage. We’re proud to have contributed to this unique project, blending historical elements with a modern dining experience.”
Matt Snell, CEO of BOXPARK, said, “BOXHALL marks an exciting evolution in the BOXPARK journey and design is a hugely important part of this story. It was important for us to work with a credible architect and designer such as Macaulay Sinclair. Their expertise in food destinations means they have masterfully restored the historic Metropolitan Arcade, transforming it into a vibrant new food hall in Liverpool Street. What they’ve helped us create is a beautiful space for our mix of emerging brands, global cuisines and established favourites coming to BOXHALL City.
“By reimagining this iconic location with our chef-led concepts and food-focused brands, BOXHALL City bridges the rich history of the area with its dynamic future as a culinary destination in the heart of London.”
Being located next to Liverpool Street station, which is served by four Tube lines and the Elizabeth line, alongside national rail services, BOXHALL City is a vibrant place for nearby workers and visitors to the area.
Samantha Bain-Mollison, head of retail at Places for London, said: “We are really looking forward to BOXHALL City opening its doors in the newly refurbished arcade for all to enjoy the new, exciting food options at this busy hub in the City of London. Both BOXPARK and Places for London have small and medium sized businesses at the heart of their work, and we’re looking forward to seeing the hundreds of thousands of people who pass through Liverpool Street every day get to explore this new location.”
Phase one of BOXHALL City, which encompasses a 14,000 sq ft street-level site opens on 10 April with work now starting on Phase two to introduce a 3,000 sq ft rooftop terrace bar, anticipated to open later this year.
