Historic Newtown phone box could move into a pub

A historic Newtown red telephone box could be restored and end up being used as a photo booth in a local nightclub.

The Grade II listed phone box on the junction of Back Lane, Broad Street, and Long Bridge has been taken on by the town council as part of an agreement with BT.

It is the last of its kind in Newtown.

But the owners of The Exchange and Steam say they are keen to acquire it as part of their work to enhance the building the Exchange is in they has asked if they can acquire the phone box.

The town council acquired it as part of a scheme operated by BT for local communities and groups to acquire the former kiosks for other uses, such as a base for a defibrillator or tourist information centre. It had considered moving it to a location in Broad Street.

In a letter to the town council, due to be considered by the town council's Economy and Environment Committee on 2 September, the Exchange owner states: "I am the owner of the pub the exchange and wanted to make an inquiry about the possibility of purchasing the phone booth for the exchange.

"We have done alot of work on the building and whilst doing thus we have tried to keep the history of the building. Our thinking with the phone booth would be to keep the history doing using the exchange name with the phone booth and getting people having photos both the booth inside the pub. This way also restoring the phone booth and keeping it in great condition."

In response, the town council said: "The Economy & Environment (E&E) Committee has been overseeing a project to change the use and location of the red phone box and officers have investigated the required permissions and costings. To date, no final decisions have been made."

It said the matter would have to go before the committee for consideration.

The phone kiosk has been at its current location since 1942 and required planning permission and special permission from CADW for its relocation.

A foundry plate inscribed on the phone box states: "Macfarlane's Ltd, Saracen Foundry, Glasgow."

The phone box is a K6 type, red kiosk designed to the standard Giles Gilbert Scott style, an architect from London.

The design was introduced by the then General post office in 1936, although it is believed this one was installed after 1945.

Many communities that have adopted similar phone boxes have used them as information points and for defibrillators. 

The council's response adds: "It may also be helpful for you to know that the phone box is listed and any changing of location may require you to apply for listed building consent. There would also be costs involved for you for the removal / reinstallation.

"Town council officers made initial enquiries with Powys County Council in 2021/2 about planning and listed building consents. Costs were also obtained to remove and reinstall the box in Broad Street. At that time, the costs were in the region of £5000. Can I ask, is your proposal to install the phone box inside the pub? If so, the reinstallation costs may well be cheaper."

It is not known if the phone box's Grade II listed status means it cannot be relocated.