News Release

City of London Corporation

Wednesday 28 June 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of London approves revamp of iconic red phone boxes

 The City of London Corporation has approved Broe Architecture Limited planning application for the first change of use for a classic red phone box within the City Square Mile. The K6 phone box, which is no longer in use, is located at the site of what will soon be Moorgate’s Elizabeth line station and will be changed into an office pod. The kiosk will still look the same with its famous red coat of paint, but the public will have access to office functions such as wi-fi, printing, scanning and copying between the hours of 6am and 11pm, seven days a week. Users will gain access by becoming members of ‘Podworks’ via an online application form or app on a mobile device. Chris Hayward, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation said: “The change of use for this iconic British phone box is a first for the City of London and will really help the mobile and flexible worker of today.   

“The Square Mile currently provides 93 million sq ft of office space, with a further 13.5 million sq ft under construction. But small changes like this will really aid people on the move and who might not have easy access to an office. 

“I would stress though that Miles Broe Architects designs ensure that the traditional external design will still be maintained.” There are 42 historic red telephone boxes located in the City of London. The City Corporation will continue to consider proposals for their redevelopment. The number of phone boxes in the UK has been dropping in the past few years. According to BT there were 92,000 phone boxes in the UK in 2002 and there are now 46,000 - including 8,000 traditional red ones.