New look office just a phone call away!
TWO disused and crumbling Southport phone boxes are set to be converted into micro-offices early next year.
The iconic red boxes, located by Southport Town Hall, have fallen into a state of considerable disrepair and concerns over their condition have been raised by various councillors.
However, an innovative company which specialises in converting disused boxes is set to breathe new life into them.
Pod Works Ltd is looking to open two of its pods in Southport by the end of January.
The pods will feature secure wifi, internet access and general office facilities such as scanning and printing.
Membership is require for access to the pods and costs £25 per month, with users given a unique pin code for entry to all of the pods across the country.
Members will also have a VOIP telephone facility giving them FREE calls to any national and mobile numbers in the UK.
The classic BT K6 red phone boxes, designed by famous architect Sir Gilbert Scott, have been in decline over several years with their number shrinking from around 78,000 across the UK to less than 7,500 now.
Pod Works already has half a dozen of the pod offices up and running in London with another 30 due to be open by the end of this year and over 300 nationwide by the end of 2017. It has recently activated the waiting list enabling businessmen and entrepreneurs to use the micro offices.
All Pods have full security, including electronically controlled locking, CCTV monitoring and emergency unlock facilities. They will be checked and cleaned daily.
Pod Works’ managing director Lorna Moore said: “We believe our offer will have wide appeal to the growing numbers of people travelling and working around the UK, and will bring back into modern use the iconic British red phone box.
“The level of connectivity we offer is excellent and good value. For the price of a couple of cups of coffee a week, members will have access to guaranteed internet and phone services, plus printing, cleanliness and security”.
Ahead of the announcement, Lib Dem councillor Tony Dawson had criticised the state the boxes had been allowed to fall into.
Cllr Dawson said: “The owners of these kiosks should never have allowed them to deteriorate like this since they are Grade 2 Listed buildings. Likewise, Sefton Council has a responsibility to make sure owners of Listed buildings keep them in reasonable condition which clearly hasn’t happened here, right under their noses “
Cllr David Barton has also spoken of the need to preserve the phone boxes.
He said: “I must praise the property owner being very supportive of the need for repairs and to preserve this part of the town’s heritage.”