Preston’s Historic Red Telephone Boxes Undergo Restoration
Preston City Council is advancing its plans to restore nine Grade II-listed K6 red telephone kiosks outside the former Head Post Office on Market Street. Acquired in 2021, these iconic structures are being carefully refurbished as part of the Council’s commitment to preserving the city’s historic landmarks.
Preserving a Piece of British Heritage
Designed by renowned architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V’s Coronation, these cast iron kiosks with timber doors form the UK’s longest continuous line of historic K6 red telephone boxes. Once an integral part of Britain’s urban landscape, the kiosks had fallen into disrepair due to redundancy and vandalism.
Recognising their historical and cultural significance, Preston City Council appointed Growth Lancashire to prepare a Heritage Statement, assessing the impact of refurbishment within the Market Place Conservation Area. Following Historic England guidelines and citing national legislation and planning guidance, the statement highlighted the telephone boxes’ high historical, communal, and aesthetic values, labelling them as “the definitive red telephone kiosk in Britain.”
The Heritage Statement concluded that the benefits of restoring the kiosks far outweigh any minor concerns, noting that their refurbishment will enhance the setting of nearby listed buildings and improve the wider Market Place Conservation Area’s appearance.
Restoration Process and Digital Upgrades
In December 2024, telephone box restoration specialists L Carr Contractors carefully removed the kiosks for sandblasting and restoration to their original condition. While the boxes are off-site, work is underway beneath the pavement to install new digital infrastructure that will support enhanced telephone services.
Once restoration is complete, the kiosks will be reinstated outside the former post office on Market Street in spring 2025, ensuring they continue to contribute to the city’s historical character.
A Broader Vision for Preston’s Future
The project is part of the wider Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200m initiative aimed at revitalising Preston’s historic buildings, public spaces, and cultural assets. With £20.9m awarded from the Government’s Towns Fund in 2021, the programme supports various regeneration projects, including the refurbishment of Amounderness House, the £45m Animate cinema and leisure complex, and the transformation of the Grade I-listed Harris Museum.
The red telephone box restoration complements these broader efforts, blending Preston’s rich heritage with modern urban development.
Honouring Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s Legacy
The kiosks are not Preston’s only link to Sir Giles Gilbert Scott—he also designed the War Memorial Cenotaph in Market Place, while his father, George Gilbert Scott, was responsible for Preston Town Hall. By restoring these historic telephone boxes, the Council is not only preserving an iconic piece of British design but also reinforcing Preston’s connection to one of the country’s most celebrated architects.
Through this restoration, Preston City Council continues its dedication to conserving the city’s heritage while fostering a dynamic and culturally enriched future for residents and visitors alike.