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THE RECENTLY OPENED Boxhall City represents a new design chapter for Boxpark, which will see the brand focus on transforming heritage buildings into hospitality hubs. Interior architecture and design studio Macaulay Sinclair is behind the design concept that has shaped the new venue, which is 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. Te 800-capacity social dining venue is located in the historic Metropolitan Arcade, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station. Macaulay Sinclair’s design vision for Boxhall City prioritises the preservation of the arcade’s rich heritage, which originally opened in 1912. Te Edwardian shopping arcade, built on the site of the former Metropolitan Railway station, features a striking 100-yard long and 18ft-wide glazed roof.
Mike Sinclair, director at Macaulay Sinclair, says: ‘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. Te 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. Te stand-out feature is undoubtedly the linear arcade space and its grand canopy.’
Te 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.
Te 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.
Sinclair adds: ‘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.’ Phase one of Boxhall City, which encompasses a 14,000ft2
opened in April with work now starting on phase two to add a 3,000ft2
street-level site, rooftop terrace
bar, anticipated to open later this year. Project
Permit Room, Oxford
Images Furniture was hand-selected at Mumbai’s markets and bazaars
MACAULAY SINCLAIR recently collaborated with the Dishoom team on the third venue of its sister brand Permit Room with a design concept to immerse visitors in the vibrant atmosphere of mid-century Bombay. Te studio wanted to ensure an authentic and immersive experience. From hand-selecting furniture from Mumbai’s markets and bazaars, to adding texture and character through exposed ceilings and walls, the existing empty, concrete shell was transformed into a space bursting with character, intrigue and style.
Although not a heritage building, it was decided to retain some of the existing rough fabric for a backdrop to the fit out. Hence, exposed ceilings and unplastered walls add texture and character.
Other attention to detail adds to the overall effect
too, with music taking a central role in the Permit Room experience, referenced across the wall art and through the inclusion of a DJ booth, which hosts both local and South Asian DJs on the line-up.
macaulaysinclair.com
Project
Boxhall City, London – Macaulay Sinclair
Below Boxhall City will repurpose existing heritage and industrial buildings
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