Preston's iconic red phone boxes set for makeover

Nine historic red phone boxes are set for an artistic makeover after planning was approved by Preston City Council.

The cast iron kiosks on Market Street in Preston's Harris Quarter represent the longest line of the iconic phone boxes in the UK and are Grade II listed.

Having been acquired by the council in 2021 and in December 2023 an application was submitted for Listed Building Consent for their refurbishment.

They will now be restored and utilised for creative installations including lighting exhibitions, LED screens and projections, and flowers and plants.

John Bridge from Studio John Bridge Architects provided architectural drawings for the phone boxes which informed the application for Listed Building Consent.

He said: “I am delighted to have supported the council’s work in restoring these
historic assets. As a proud Prestonian myself, I am 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.”

This project forms part of the wider Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme which was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.

The phone boxes were 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.