Boxpark opens in Croydon

Boxpark Croydon designed by BDP is now fully open to the public after a spectacular festival weekend.

The scheme is part of the mixed-use Ruskin Square development next to East Croydon station and creates a unique dining experience focusing on small independent traders, transforming the quality of the leisure offer in Croydon.

BDP’s design creates a pared down raw aesthetic which integrates into the core Boxpark design language and, with graphic designers Filthy Media and retail designers Brinkworth, a very strong graphic and visual identity which is applied rigorously throughout the scheme.

Architect director Gavin Elliott says, “Our design creates a semi-enclosed market hall – like Covent Garden or La Boqueria in Barcelona – so it has a central focus to the scheme with the units arranged around it, as well as outdoor terrace spaces. The change of level between the station entrance and Dingwall Road means people enter from multiple entrances and levels which adds spatial interest and animation.

Shipping containers are an intrinsic component of the Boxpark brand. There’s something quite magical about taking this mundane and ubiquitous object and turning it into something desirable and transformational. We’re using 96 containers in total and only four of them are unaltered. The whole assembly is like a giant 3D jigsaw puzzle but the finished result looks deceptively simple.

Boxpark Croydon is a place for people. The design comes alive now it’s occupied. It was incredible to see it over the opening weekend, at dusk, with the lights on and the music pumping. Rammed with people all having a brilliant time.”

BDP was architect, civil and structural engineer, environmental engineer, acoustic consultant, lighting designer and landscape architect for the £3 million scheme.

Join the conversation on social media by following @BoxparkCroydon and #EatDrinkPlay.