Add My Company
Shipping containers can be can be converted into just about anything, in the Summer of 2025 we helped bring to life an ice cream shipping container shop. This ice cream shop was to be a self serve ice cream business in Brighton Train Station.
This unit was going to house a ‘robot ice cream machine’. This meant we had to work out what the best size was for the container, in order to fit the machine and not be too large for the space allowed at the station.
Ultimately, it was decided that a 9ft cut down container was the best option.
Custom Converted 9ft x 8ft Shipping Container Kiosk
For this unit, our customer had a limited amount of space they could use at the train station. However, they still needed to have enough internal space for their ice cream machine.. This meant that the standard size units were not an option. To make the most of the available space, we cut down larger container to 9ft.
To keep to our customers budget, we did this from a used shipping container. Used containers come direct from the shipping lines and are generally 15-20 years old. Cosmetically they don’t look the best. However, a fresh coat of paint can bring a new lease of life to a unit.
As we were removing around half of the walls from the unit, a refurbished container was a good option as we were not keeping much of the original walls.
To help keep in line with the fun, enticing vibes of an ice cream shop, we repainted in RAL6027, light green.
Shipping Container Conversion to Ice Cream Kiosk
Along with cutting down and repainting the unit, we added electric roller shutters to the unit. The customer chose to have an 8ft roller shutter on the front end, and then a further 2x 4ft roller shutters on the sides for access.
We removed the cargo doors from the unit and replaced with a new sheet of steel. In this, we added a personnel door for easy access.
The customer needed a small separate storage space. For this, we added a timber wall inside, including a lockable timber door. This allowed the customer to enter from the external personnel door and easily refill and maintain their machine from their storage area.
To keep the unit condensation free, we lined and insulated the unit. As the ice cream machine was to be inside the container, it was important it had a dry space to sit.
Shipping Container Delivery to Train Station
As this unit was to go inside the train station, we needed to check access thoroughly. This was to ensure that we would be able to offload. For the position of this unit, the container needed to be under the canopy of the station.
Generally we will need plenty of overhead clearance in order to operate the crane for offload. In this case, we would have needed a specialist truck and a lot of time on site in order to complete the delivery.
Customer Collection
However, the customer knew other containers had been delivered previously, so they reached out to the company who had previously delivered.
Choosing a haulier who has delivered to the site before is a very good option. They will have an understanding of the site and restrictions and will often be able to deliver with less issues than a haulier who has never been to the complex site before.
Arranging your own collection is always an option for you. We won’t insist on using our own hauliers, and can arrange for you to collect from our container depots. Whoever you use will just need to have access to a suitable truck in order to load / offload the unit.
If you do have a trickier delivery, it doesn’t mean we can’t do it. It may just take us a bit more time to check access, arrange site visits and come up with the best plan for a smooth delivery.
For more information on Ice Cream Shipping Container Shop, Brighton Train Station talk to Budget Shipping Containers