Expansion plans for Boxpark Shoreditch met with worries over ‘excessive noise’

Boxpark Shoreditch, pictured in 2016. Photograph: Wikicommons

The “world’s first” pop-up shopping mall could be extended to create more space for people to stay outdoors in all weathers.

Plans for Boxpark Shoreditch would introduce a temporary space for a covered terrace and space for a shop or restaurant on top of the shipping containers.

The venue currently has room for 55 shops and restaurants near Shoreditch High Street Overground station, and planning permission runs out in 2023.

There are a further six converted shipping containers on the Tower Hamlets side of the site.

The proposals will be considered by Hackney’s planning committee on 27 July.

Developers said the temporary space is “part of Boxpark’s response to the current pandemic” and that extra outdoor seats “will provide more space for visitors within an open-air environment”.

Boxpark opened in December 2011 as a “meanwhile” use at the Bishopsgate Goods Yard site, and aimed to offer jobs for the local community before any more development on the site.

Since then it has become a magnet for people keen to shop and eat out in the southern part of Shoreditch, close to the City.

The Mayor of London gave planning permission this year to a controversial major redevelopment of the Bishopsgate Goods Yard site – 10 tower blocks with 500 homes, shops, offices and restaurants.

Boxpark is bounded by roads on three sides and the developers said the extra floor space and screened seating would not impact on neighbouring residents.

However, 52 people sent in objections after the application for the temporary extension was submitted last October.

Concerns include an increase anti-social and criminal behaviour, extra noise and worries about amplified music.

People also said it would nearly double the space at Boxpark.

The Boundary Tenants and Residents Association is worried about the impact of more visitors.

Boxpark has submitted a plan to limit noise.

Tower Hamlets Council has also objected about possible “excessive noise” from the extra footfall and the impact of more people on the “narrow footway” nearby.

It said if the scheme gets the green light it wants conditions in place for event management and opening hours.

Boxpark currently closes at 11pm from Monday to Wednesday, 11.45pm from Thursday to Saturday, and 10.30pm on Sunday.