Project: Telephone Boxes, Preston
We are delighted to have supported the Council’s work in restoring these historic assets by helping to obtain Planning and Listed Building Consent. As proud Prestonian’s we are passionate about the City’s cultural heritage and it will be great to see them brought back to life and safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
Preston City Council has given the green light for the refurbishment of the nine iconic red phone boxes on Market Street.
Situated outside the former post office building on Market Street, the phone boxes were acquired by the City Council in 2021 and in December 2023 an application was submitted for Listed Building Consent for their refurbishment.
Originally designed by British architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1932 to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Coronation of King George V in 1935, the cast iron kiosks are the longest line of red telephone boxes in the UK and are Grade II listed.
This project forms part of the wider Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme which was awarded £20.9 million from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.
The Council will now undertake the necessary restoration works to enable the phone boxes to be utilised for creative installations to complement the vibrancy of the Harris Quarter, working in partnership with local artists.
The Council will now go out to market for a specialist contractor to undertake the work. It is anticipated that the restoration will commence before the end of the year and it is anticipated that the phone boxes will be transported off-site for the period of restoration.