Boxpark Shoreditch retains licence after noise review by Hackney Council

Boxpark in Shoreditch will continue to host live music at night after Hackney Council rejected calls to revoke its licence. The decision, published on 28 July, follows a formal review requested by ten residents who argued the venue had become a persistent source of noise and disruption.

The council’s licensing sub-committee ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove Boxpark was solely responsible for public nuisance. Instead, it imposed new conditions: the venue must hold quarterly community meetings and establish a 24-hour helpline for residents to report noise issues.

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Residents argue venue has overstayed its welcome

Boxpark opened in 2011 under a 'meanwhile use' scheme, a temporary arrangement for vacant sites. Residents told the council the venue was never intended to become a permanent bar and music space. Louise Garrett, speaking on behalf of 150 residents, said the venue had been "imposed on us, in effect, by the back door."

Joanna Gray, a long-time resident, described the noise as "intrusive and disruptive" during the 14 July licensing hearing. She argued Boxpark was "not responsible enough" to retain its licence. Another resident claimed the venue’s open-air design made noise mitigation impossible, calling it an "outlier" for the area.

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Residents also raised concerns about late-night Temporary Event Notices (TENs), which they said had increased and made living conditions unbearable. They accused the venue of contributing to public urination, fights, and drug use in the surrounding streets.

Boxpark defends its record

Boxpark’s management argued its operating hours complied with local licensing policy. They pointed out that neither the police, environmental health teams, nor the council’s licensing authority had supported the residents’ case. The venue also highlighted noise-limiting systems installed in 2023, with decibel limits agreed upon with residents.

The venue offered to conduct noise testing inside neighbouring flats to verify the effectiveness of its sound systems. Residents rejected this proposal, citing privacy concerns. Hackney Council’s sub-committee noted in its decision that the noise complaints could not be attributed solely to Boxpark.

We were told Boxpark would be temporary, and it’s been here 14 years. We feel like it’s been imposed on us, in effect, by the back door.

Louise Garrett, resident

What happens next

Boxpark must now hold its first quarterly community meeting by October 2026. The venue is also required to set up a 24/7 helpline and email address for residents to report noise or other issues. Residents can raise concerns at these meetings or through the new contact channels.

The council’s decision does not prevent residents from requesting another review if new evidence of public nuisance emerges. However, no further formal steps are scheduled at this stage.