Major update revealed on the future of Preston's famous red phone boxes
A promising new update has been shared on the future of Preston’s famous red phone boxes.
Preston’s famous row of red phone boxes were removed from Market Street for refurbishment last December – and had been due to be back in place by the spring.
In our last update on the nine cubicles, at the end of December, we shared how the Grade II-listed sight was still absent from alongside the former post office building.
In fact Preston City Council at the time said the phone boxes would be kept safely in storage for the foreseeable future – both to protect them from ongoing streetworks in the area, but also to ensure their full potential is dialled up when they do finally make a return.
At last however it looks like a return to their original home is on the cards for the boxes, who lost their original purpose over a decade ago.
This week it has been confirmed that the nine iconic telephone boxes are set to be reimagined using bespoke LED technology, introducing a new public-realm digital art feature to Preston city centre.
Local digital specialists ADI have unveiled plans for a new public realm installation on Market Street, where the traditional telephone boxes will be transformed to showcase curated digital artwork and community-led content.
Located along the Preston Flag Market in the heart of the city, the nine telephone boxes will be fitted with high-resolution LED displays, designed to deliver clear, vibrant visuals while integrating sensitively into the surrounding streetscape. Discreet audio will also be incorporated, with speakers providing subtle ambient sound.
Working with Studio John Bridge Architects in Preston, the installation has been designed for optimal viewing from across the street and will provide Preston City Council with a flexible platform to showcase digital art, seasonal themes, and locally relevant content throughout the year.
ADI have been commissioned by Preston City Council, who have bought and restored the listed telephone boxes using government funding.
What have prominent Preston figures said about the plans?
John Chesworth, Chair of the Towns Fund Board, said: “The telephone boxes are an iconic piece of Preston’s history and have been missed whilst they have been getting their makeover. We’re looking forward to our landmark boxes coming back to life on site later in the year for future generations to enjoy.”
Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said: “The refurbished telephone boxes will create a real digital spectacle that you won’t want to miss, aiming to create that new Instagram-able moment in the heart of Preston’s historic Harris Quarter.”
So when can we expect to see the artwork in place?
Plans have been submitted by Preston City Council with more details on installation date yet to be announced.
Who are ADI and what have they said about the Preston project?
ADI has 35 years’ experience delivering digital installations across the UK public realm.
Sustainable by design, ADI’s own MT Series offers an incredibly lightweight and slimline LED display product with a range of unique design features that promote energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability over its operational lifespan.
Aaron Jabbary, Client Engagement Executive at ADI said: “We’re excited to bring a contemporary digital public art project to Preston’s historic Market Street. Using ADI’s bespoke LED technology, the installation can showcase local culture, collaborate with artists, and highlight events taking place across the city.”
Recently partnering with Bradford Council, ADI supported the regeneration of Darley Street Market with a bespoke immersive, multi-zone media network. ADI also designed and installed the largest LED ceiling in Europe at the Printworks in Manchester, along with a landmark DOOH screen at Spinningfields.
The firm says this new feature at Market Street reinforces ADI’s commitment to the local community and see this as another step in the digitalisation of the Northwest.
Geraint Williams, founder and CEO of ADI, said: “As a local company, we’re proud to be contributing something meaningful to Preston’s city centre. This project brings together the character and heritage of Market Street with a new digital public art feature that creates space for local culture, artists and community voices.
“It’s about using technology thoughtfully - not just to enhance the space, but to give something back, support creativity and build on the investment, creating a public feature that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the year."