Box On The Docks

Box On The Docks was an idea conceived for MediaCityUK by HemingwayDesign in 2020. A form of placemaking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a way to support local hospitality businesses and artists who were hit heavily. The concept was to create self-contained dining pods, decorated by local creatives, allowing visitors to return to MediaCityUK safely and dine at bars/restaurants while socially distancing. The concept was created and executed, alongside the MediaCityUK team, in two months. Partnerships with BBC Sounds were formed to allow music to be played in the pods and the project became a cultural attraction in Salford Quays.

Artists incl. Helena Worthington (Gogglebox), Manchester Street Poem, Quays Culture, Walk The Plank, Hot Bed Press, Heard Storytelling, Sally Gilford, James Ackerley, Mike & Sian Studio, Nick Chaffe, among many others. Collaborations incl. Islington Mill, Paradise Works, Carbon Creative (incl. creating a Salford Food Bank), Manchester Metropolitan University and the Salford Graduate Scheme. Box On The Docks was mentioned on Craig Charles’ BBC Radio show numerous times and also hosted a socially distanced wedding. At the end of the summer, restaurants had done 30% more trade, the majority of boxes were booked up until October and the footfall on site doubled. The project was the winner of ‘Placemaking Project of the Year’ at the Insider North West Awards (21).

The brand, all text and photography are owned by HemingwayDesign, MediaCityUK and The Peel Group. Photography: Jack Irwin.

Event Coordinator (20) at HemingwayDesign

Curation, Artist Management & Liaison, Research, Concept Development, Ideation, Content Bookings, PR & Client Liaison, Copywriting.