I’m pleased to share that plans have been submitted to install a brand-new BT Street Hub right here in our town centre on St Peter’s Hill — bringing faster digital connections, public Wi-Fi, and modern street design to replace one of the old phone boxes.

This isn’t just a cosmetic change. The new hub will:

  • Provide free ultra-fast public Wi-Fi to help residents, visitors, and local businesses stay connected.
  • Include USB-C charging ports for phones and other devices — a small but practical convenience for anyone on the go.
  • Offer improved access to emergency services, allowing users to make free emergency calls quickly and safely.
  • Potentially feature environmental sensors to help collect data on air quality and temperature, supporting Lincolnshire’s wider sustainability and smart-city ambitions.

The unit itself is a slim, modern replacement for the old BT phone kiosk — designed to fit neatly within the existing streetscape. It will be made of toughened glass and aluminium with built-in anti-graffiti coatings and a 24-hour maintenance service.

Importantly, the Street Hub also helps reduce street clutter by combining multiple functions into a single piece of infrastructure. Where possible, old phone boxes will be removed to keep our pavements open and accessible to everyone, including people with prams, wheelchairs, or mobility aids.

BT and its partner, JCDecaux, are rolling out these hubs nationwide. Still, this installation marks a vote of confidence in our town centre — recognising the area’s importance as a destination for shopping, work, and leisure.

You can find out more about the Street Hubs here

As your County Councillor, I’m always keen to see investment that makes daily life a little easier, supports our local economy, and modernises public services. This Street Hub is a small but positive example of how technology can serve the community when it’s done well.

If approved, installation should take only a few days and cause minimal disruption. I’ll share updates as soon as a start date is confirmed.

A cleaner, safer, and more connected town centre — one smart step at a time.