'Modern day phone box' proposed for Ballymena town centre
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has received a planning application for a new free-standing “street hub” on the pedestrian verge opposite 60-64 Mill Street, in Ballymena town centre.
The application, made by Global UK, which has an address in London, is for the erection of a hub comprised of two digital 75-inch LCD display screens, each side of the unit, to replace a BT payphone kiosk and poster panel display.
BT has partnered with Global to provide free phone calls to anyone in the UK on mobile or landline, free rapid device charging, a touch screen tablet to access local information, free “ultra-fast wi-fi” and outdoor advertising across a 1,000-strong network in the UK.
A planning statement submitted with the application said: “The site is located on a wide pedestrian verge, at the top of Pat’s Brae, a pedestrianised street.” The kiosk is to be located on the crossroad junction with Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street and Mill Street, if permission is granted.
“The proposal represents a modernisation of existing infrastructure rather than the introduction of a new or intensified use. The street hub is modest in scale, sited on a wide pedestrian verge, and does not give rise to adverse impacts on amenity, public safety or the operation of surrounding uses,” the statement said.
“The proposed street hub delivers upgraded telecommunications and digital connectivity infrastructure in a central and accessible town centre location, replacing outdated payphone provision,” it continued.
“The hub is modest in scale, designed as a contemporary item of street furniture, and is appropriately sited within an established pedestrian environment. No adverse impacts on amenity or safety arise.”
The statement noted the proposed unit would not obstruct the footpath, “prejudice public safety nor have an adverse impact on neighbouring amenity” but would “integrate and not appear out of character” in the area.
BT says online: “People don’t often need a phone box to call someone these days – but they do need the internet. So, we’ve adapted with the times and have started to provide the ‘modern day phone box’ – street hubs.
“The public, businesses and local councils can all benefit from improved connectivity and increased digital access.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter