If you walk to Temple Meads or across the Temple Circus roundabout on a regular basis, you’ll probably have noticed the speedy construction of a rather unusual development near the station car park. Made up of repurposed shipping containers, the development is called Boxworks and it’s just opened for business.

 

Boxworks launch

Boxworks launch event, photo by Jon Craig

What is Boxworks?
Boxworks is a new workspace in the Enterprise Zone, located on a patch of land between the Friary and Temple Gate. It’s made up of 20 shipping containers, fitted out to offer high-spec, unique and flexible offices.

Is it related to the Engine Shed?
Boxworks is an extension of Engine Shed, designed and delivered by workspace experts Forward. Like Engine Shed, Boxworks is aimed at businesses in the technology, creative and media sectors; however, it’s targeted at businesses looking for follow-on growth space, rather than those just starting out. Tenants of Boxworks will also have access to Engine Shed’s facilities, including the business lounge, café and meeting rooms.

How big are the containers?
Each container is 40ft long, 8ft wide and just over 8ft tall. Six to eight people can comfortably work in each container, giving Boxworks a maximum capacity of 160 people.

Watch Boxworks’ build condensed into under two minutes

What can tenants expect from each container?
The containers are decked out to be both attractive and practical. Tenants can expect wooden clad walls, gloss-painted ceilings, coloured rubber flooring, custom graphics, LED and feature lighting. Containers are also fully sound-proofed, have lots of plug sockets, are insulated, heated and, potentially most important of all, have 1000Mbps Wi-Fi (wired options are also available). They come unfurnished but fit-out options are available from Forward’s design partner Shape Studio.

Will the containers be there permanently?
No, they are a ‘meanwhile’ development; however, they’ll be in place for a minimum of two years. Occupancy is by monthly lease with a minimum term of 6 months, and the first tenants moved in on 2nd December.

How can I find out more?
To find out more about Boxworks, contact Forward directly: hello@forwardspace.co.uk or 03333448850.