Plans for BT street hubs in key Preston locations

The BT payphone outside Spar in 65 Plunginton Road might be replaced with a street hub unit Pic: Tony Worrall

There are plans for the installation of BT street hubs in the key commercial, retail, and pedestrian areas within Preston.

The aim is to replace existing BT payphones, to clean up the clutter of outdated phone boxes and enhance public realm whilst providing free digital connectivity and other services.

Street hubs are powered by 100 per cent renewable carbon-free energy and are free to use. Their services include phone calls, Wi-Fi, rapid device charging, and touch-screen tablets providing access to local information.

What the street hub unit would look like outside Primark in Fishergate

On Thursday 15 September, planning applications were registered to Preston City Council for the proposed street hubs in four locations.

The applicant seeks for the removal of existing BT Phone Box and installation of a proposed replacement BT Street Hub and display of advertisement to both sides of the unit on the footpath outside Turtle Bay in the city centre.

In other planning proposals two internally digital illuminated 75 inch LCD screens will be installed to both sides of the free standing ‘Street Hub’ on footpaths outside Primark in Fishergate, Spar in Plungington Road, and 53 Degrees in Brook Street.

The old kiosk outside Turtle Bay Pic: Google Maps

To enable the street hubs to be provided free of cost to the taxpayer, advertisement on either side of the unit will be required to support this function.

The screens will display content at 10-second intervals, including commercial content that funds the service, as well as a wide range of local community and council content.

On behalf of British Telecom plc, agents Harlequin Group, said the street hub outside 53 Degrees would improve the area: “The proposed board situated outside 53 Brook Street would be the only piece of street furniture of its kind within the street scene.

“A number of neighbouring properties in commercial use feature advertisements along their shopfronts which are either non-illuminated or at most back lit signs.

The proposed street hub unit outside 53 degree in Brook Street — The proposed street hub unit outside 53 degrees in Brook Street

“The board at a height of 2.98m would be significantly taller than that of the neighbouring street furniture and would likely become a focal point within the street scene if erected, standing in harsh contrast to the relatively free advertisement area lies within.”

The planning, design and heritage supporting statement, prepared by BT Group plc, said: “The locations of the Street Hubs have been primarily identified to replace existing BT payphones, where possible and practicable, but also to provide seamless fast, free Wi- Fi service throughout the key commercial, retail, and pedestrian areas within Preston whereby residents, visitors and businesses can all use this service, together with the additional benefits of the Street Hub.

“In addition, within Preston, some Street Hubs are proposed in areas whereby tourists enjoy recreational facilities, as such services will enhance the overall tourist experience of the city.”

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