London has been known to be a city of innovation, and now is no exception with the opening of Boxpark. The fun name really describes the essentials of the building; it is a retail park created from sixty recycled storage containers.
Modular 2-Story Structure
The containers are formed so that they sit in rows of five, and they create a two-story structure. The retail park has been nicknamed a “pop-up” mall, referring to the speed in which the mall was constructed. Using materials that are already made is a way to greatly decrease construction time. These units are standard steel ISO boxes, twenty feet long and eight feet wide. The units are made to withstand harsh oceanic conditions, so they are very reliable building materials.
Boxpark is located on the East end of London, specifically on Shoreditch High Street, one of the busier and more prosperous streets in the city. Many celebrities, such as rapper Dizzee Rascal, have been sighted shopping at the new trendy mall.
The retail park was backed by Roger Wade, well known British entrepreneur. Wade told CNN in an interview that the units have a “strong symbolism” for him because of his earlier dreams of shipping his designs to Asia.
Affordability for Smaller Retailers
Wade focused on making it possible for smaller businesses to afford rent at Boxpark. The small businesses are amongst larger names such as Puma, Calvin Klein, Nike, and Levi’s. Big or small, all businesses are only allowed a white printed logo on the black trim around their shop door. The shipping units are all painted black to create a sleek cohesive unit.
Roger Wade intends to open other retail parks made out of recycled containers in the area. This is expected to happen within the next couple of years, depending on the success of the original Boxpark.