The use of converted shipping containers is extremely diverse, with homes, glamping pods and storage facilities being made out of them. But some of the most exciting developments have involved setting up clusters of them for small traders to sell food, drink, crafts, clothing and other goods.
Several sites of this kind have been set up, from CARGO in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf to Hatch in Manchester, which was established to provide a chance for traders to transition between the Northern Quarter’s iconic Affleck’s Palace and high street stores.
However, the concept has been taken further by STACK, a project run by the Danieli Group that is creating a series of shipping container sites to offer food and drink across a range of towns and cities.
As the Northern Echo reports, excitement is building in Middlesbrough as the containers have started arriving at the latest site, which is located in the undercroft of the A66 flyover next to Exchange Square. This location has some similarities to Hatch, which was situated under the Mancunian Way flyover.
First mooted in 2022, the project has faced a few delays as essential maintenance work has been carried out on the flyover, with previous plans to open last year and then in the spring of this year failing to transpire. But the project is now expected to be up and running by Christmas.
This will see 25 containers in use, with six of them selling food and three bars. There will also be a stage for live entertainment, making this more than just a place to buy food and drink.
STACK CEO Neill Winch said on the venture’s Facebook site: “Keep an eye on our socials as our traders will be announced soon and for that all important opening date. Boro, we can’t wait to give you a big STACK welcome.”
Middlesbrough’s mayor Chris Cook welcomed news of progress at the site, remarking: “STACK will be a great addition to Middlesbrough and will complement the many brilliant independent businesses in our town centre.”
The last STACK venture was the fan zone at St James’ Park in Newcastle, which opened in August for the start of the football season. As the Chronicle Live reports, this has been a huge success, operating every weekend and not just on match days.
It also noted that several Newcastle-based restaurants had signed up to be part of the Middlesbrough STACK, which shows that it is not just independent traders that can make the most of the opportunities converted containers offer, but established firms looking to expand into new areas.
Although the original STACK in Newcastle on Pilgrim Street closed in 2022 to make way for new offices, the St James’ site showed how popular the concept is and another one is now planned for the city, close to the Pilgrim Street site. It is hoped this will open in the spring of 2025.
Existing STACK sites also include a venture in Lincoln, with others planned for the coming years including projects in Bishop Auckland, Durham, Leeds and Manchester.
