Case study: BOXPARK - powering community, culture and containers

Part street market, part food hall, part fanzone, BOXPARK has never been easy to define. And that’s the point. Born in Shoreditch and built from repurposed shipping containers, BOXPARK has carved out a category all of its own: a place where culture meets cuisine, and creativity meets community.

Since 2011, it’s grown from a radical idea into a landmark experience across London – with buzzing venues in Shoreditch, Croydon, Wembley, Camden and a fast-growing calendar of events, collabs, and game-day takeovers.

But behind the bold chevron branding and big crowds, BOXPARK has always had a deeper mission. One that’s as much about people as it is about plates.

A movement made from metal boxes

When BOXPARK launched back in 2011, it called itself the world’s first pop-up mall. But it was really a response to something bigger – the slow decline of the high street, and a growing hunger for something more local, more vibrant, and more human.

Instead of chain stores and same-old offerings, it gave a platform to small businesses, independent chefs, and street food heroes, and wrapped it all up in a space designed for gathering.

Every venue has its own personality. But what they all share is an energy you can feel – whether it’s a DJ set at Croydon, fans piling into Wembley post-match, or a family grabbing lunch in Shoreditch.

“BOXPARK was built to back the little guy, challenge the status quo, and create a new kind of people-centred hospitality experience,” says Michael Murrant, Senior Estates and Contracts Manager. “It proves that when you put people at the heart of your business, you can build something truly big.”

Changing the energy behind the scenes

That same mindset now flows into the energy powering it all.

In 2025, BOXPARK made the switch to RED™: tem’s radically fair and transparent way to buy renewable energy directly from UK generators. Today, three of BOXPARK's popular London venues run on energy that is better for people, the planet, and their bottom line.

But this move wasn’t just about cutting costs or carbon emissions. It’s about staying true to what BOXPARK has always stood for: backing independents, doing things differently, and investing in the future.

“With tem, we’re not just buying energy – we’re fuelling a movement for a better future,” says Michael. “Running on RED™ means more of the money we pay in our energy bill each month goes directly to real UK renewable generators. So we’re not only shrinking our own carbon footprint, but standing with the people reshaping the energy system for good.”

Spaces built for a lighter footprint

Beyond powering their venues with renewable energy, BOXPARK has set a high bar on sustainability. And over the past year, they’ve taken things up a notch with a dedicated ESG committee leading the charge.

Their signature recycled container structures mean less demand for new materials, while smart energy systems have boosted savings from 5% to nearly 9% year on year. Every scrap of waste is diverted from landfill, and recyclable cups are now standard across all BOXPARK bars.

And it doesn’t stop at infrastructure. Every decision, from lighting choices to delivery schedules, is made with long-term impact in mind. It’s all part of a broader push to leave a lighter footprint and a lasting legacy.

The future’s not in a box

BOXPARK's evolution is only just getting started. With new sites in the pipeline, across the UK and beyond, and a clear view of what matters most, they’re doubling down on the things that set them apart: bold ideas, better systems, and spaces that do more than serve.

The black-and-white container is no longer just a design choice; it’s a marker of a mindset. One that looks forward, thinks big, and keeps challenging the status quo.