A pop-up mall coming to Croydon next year will be a food-and-drink destination to rival Borough and Brixton markets, its founders have claimed.

Boxpark will be comprised entirely of eateries and bars when it opens by East Croydon station in summer 2016.

Its forerunner in Shoreditch, which has become almost synonymous with the fashionable area of east London since opening in 2011, also includes independent shops. 

But Roger Wade, founder of Boxpark, said the Croydon mall - to be constructed out of 80 refitted shipping containers - would focus on creating "a special dining experience".

FROM MARCH: Shoreditch pop-up mall Boxpark coming to Croydon in 2016

The mall, which will be open all day, will have a strict "no high street fascia rule" and will only be home to independent vendors.

It will also host sporadic events such as film screenings, live music, art installations and theatre.

Mr Wade said: "It’s not just about great street food – it’s about creating a special dining experience. Boxpark Croydon aims to become part of the fabric of local life by colour, creativity and life of it’s own.

"Clearly something special is happening in Croydon right now, and we want to be at the centre of it. I’m determined that as its cultural, culinary and social heart, Boxpark will put a smile on Croydon’s face and a song in its soul."

Boxpark Croydon will run until 2019 before making way for Stanhope and Schroder's £500m Ruskin Square development.