Preston’s historic row of red telephone boxes are due to be back in place by later this year after two years away.
Removed in December 2024 there’s to be a new modern use for the phone boxes which are now in council ownership since being bought in 2021.
Planning permission was recently granted for the installation of ‘digital art screens’ within the phone boxes and is covered by a change of use, listed building consent and advertising consent.
Read more: New Preston phone hubs will have digital advertising and defibrillators
Restoration work on the phone boxes was completed many months back but they remain stored safely off-site with L Carr Contractors in Yorkshire until cabling works can be done in Market Street for them to be plugged in for their snazzy new displays.
Deputy leader of the city council and cabinet member for community wealth building and city regeneration, councillor Valerie Wise, said: “The project combines heritage preservation with innovation, giving the boxes a new lease of life for future generations, so not only will they look amazing, they will provide a real spectacle for visitors to enjoy.
“This is a great example of how we can modernise heritage assets in a way that respects Preston’s character, yet still has relevance in a modern society, and showcases the Council’s commitment to preserving Preston’s heritage as we continue to invest in both its historic environment and its digital future.”
The previous scheme – just for restoration of the existing phone boxes – was listed as being £80,000 and had been supported through the council’s £20million Towns Fund war chest from the government.
Fulwood-based firm ADI is undertaking the works to put in the screens which are due to show a range of information, public awareness messaging and advertising.
Client engagement executive Aaron Jabbary said: “This is a really exciting step forward for Preston and for the Harris Quarter. Working alongside the Council, our focus has been on carefully respecting the heritage of these iconic listed telephone boxes while reimagining them as a shared digital canvas that brings new energy to the streetscape. It’s a great example of how thoughtful technology can sit alongside history to create something engaging for residents, visitors and local creatives alike.”
Chair of the Towns Fund Board, John Chesworth, said: The restoration of these iconic telephone boxes adds to the improvements we’re achieving as part of the Harris Quarter £200m Investment Programme. They are a small but fantastic city asset and bringing them back into use has always been on the agenda.”
The phone boxes, which are grade-II listed, are the longest continuous line of phone boxes in the UK.
