Boxpark to transform run-down toilet block with first lease outside London

Shipping container food and retail concept Boxpark is to open its first site outside London, teaming up with Fatboy Slim-owned Big Beach Café to transform a run-down toilet block in the coastal town of Shoreham.

While based in Brighton, Boxpark currently has sites in London’s Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley. It has now signed a lease with Adur District Council to create what it’s described as a “landmark seafront dining destination and community café on Shoreham Beach.”

Boxpark is collaborating with Dan Stockland, chef and general manager of Big Beach Café in Hove, which is owned by Norman Cook, otherwise known as Fatboy Slim.

The new site will incorporate Big Beach Café’s casual dining model to create a multi-purpose community restaurant and café.

Called Shoreham Big Beach Box, the new site will also include a roof terrace, changing rooms and a community space providing a centre for water sports. The venue will also work with local businesses and talent by putting together a programme of events, workshops and talks.

Commenting on the agreement, 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 among locals whilst also attracting visitors to the world-class beachfront destination.”

The council has been discussing the site in Beach Green with Boxpark since 2017 when they entered into a preferred development agreement. Boxpark will now draw up detailed plans for the project with a view to submitting a planning application later this year.