Payphones to ad screens: What’s next in the UK street scene?

Did you know that over 2,000 outdated payphones in the UK have been transformed into modern street hubs offering Wi-Fi and advertising screens? In fact, across the country, nearly 1,000 digital Street Hubs have already been installed, providing communication benefits to local communities. These hubs are bringing enhanced connectivity and information access to neighbourhoods nationwide. This transformation is significant as it reflects the broader changes in urban design and technology integration. These innovative street hubs are part of a growing trend to modernise street furniture across the UK, adapting to the evolving needs of the public in an increasingly digital world.

This blog will explore the trends driving this revamp of road furniture, the opportunities it presents, and what the future may hold for urban spaces. We’ll delve into how these digital hubs are reshaping the urban landscape and enhancing connectivity while examining the potential challenges and considerations surrounding this shift.

Evolution of street furniture in the UK

Urban furniture, such as payphones, benches, and litter bins, has been a familiar sight in urban landscapes for decades. Payphones were once a vital communication lifeline, while benches provided a resting spot, and litter bins helped maintain cleanliness. However, urban demands have shifted dramatically due to technological advancements, population growth, and sustainability concerns.

The conversion of outdated payphones into modern street hubs exemplifies this evolution. These digital hubs serve dual purposes: advertising and providing public Wi-Fi access. This transformation not only reflects the declining need for traditional payphones but also showcases how furniture can adapt to meet contemporary needs, such as connectivity and information access.

The revamp of road furniture is not solely driven by technology but also by design, sustainability, and user experience considerations. As cities strive to create more livable and sustainable environments, furniture plays a crucial role in enhancing public spaces. Innovative designs incorporate eco-friendly materials, improved accessibility, and user-centric features, ensuring that these urban elements cater to diverse needs while minimising environmental impact.

Emerging trends in street fixtures revamp

As urban spaces continue to evolve, staying up-to-date with emerging trends in the types of road furniture is crucial for creating functional, sustainable, and inclusive environments. In this section, we’ll explore key trends shaping the future of road furniture, including sustainability, smart features, customisation, and more, each contributing to the transformation of public spaces.

1. Sustainability focus

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal trend in urban design and development projects. Cities worldwide are prioritising eco-friendly initiatives to mitigate environmental impact and create greener, more livable spaces. Road furniture revamps play a crucial role in this endeavour, as they offer opportunities to incorporate sustainable materials and practices.

The emphasis on sustainability stems from the pressing need to reduce carbon footprints and promote circular economies. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, cities account for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By embracing sustainable furniture solutions, municipalities can contribute to their carbon footprint reduction goals and foster a more sustainable urban environment.  

One example of sustainable furniture is the use of recycled plastic benches. These benches are crafted from repurposed plastic waste, diverting materials from landfills and reducing the demand for virgin plastics. Similarly, Corten steel signage, known for its weathered patina, is a durable and low-maintenance option that eliminates the need for frequent repainting or replacement, minimising resource consumption.

2. Smart features

Smart road furniture incorporates advanced technologies to enhance functionality and efficiency in urban spaces. Features like sensors, connectivity, and solar power enable data collection, real-time monitoring, and sustainable energy solutions.

Examples include smart waste bins with fill-level sensors for optimised collection routes, reducing costs and emissions, and solar-powered lighting systems that harness renewable energy for energy-efficient illumination. These smart features promote sustainability, improve accessibility and user experience through interactive digital signage providing real-time information, and enable data-driven urban planning through data collection on factors like pedestrian traffic and air quality.

3. Customisable designs

Customisation in road furniture helps strengthen community identity by tailoring designs to reflect local heritage or branding. Urban furniture that incorporates cultural motifs or elements unique to a region fosters a sense of pride and belonging among residents. For example, bespoke benches designed with historical themes in heritage sites enhance the area’s charm and create a cohesive aesthetic.

Similarly, branded signage in residential developments adds character while promoting a welcoming environment. These well-thought-out designs don’t just improve the visual appeal but also boost tourism and encourage community interaction. By aligning with the needs and personality of the area, customised furniture becomes an integral part of urban life.

4. Dark skies friendly lighting

Dark skies-friendly lighting focuses on reducing light pollution to preserve the natural night environment. A 2023 study revealed that artificial lighting is making the night sky about 10% brighter annually, obscuring celestial views for much of the world. As of 2016, over 80% of the global population lived under light-polluted skies, unable to see the Milky Way. Dark skies lighting employs shielded fixtures and warmer tones to minimise glare, benefiting both humans and nocturnal wildlife. When integrated into urban furniture, these solutions create functional public spaces that are also environmentally conscious. By addressing this growing issue, such designs help protect the night sky and enhance urban environments for all.

5. Use of recyclable materials

Using recyclable materials in furniture supports the transition towards a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and repurposing. By incorporating recycled plastics, metals, or other sustainable materials into the production of urban fixtures like benches, litter bins, and signage, we can significantly reduce waste and the demand for virgin raw materials.

One notable example is Made by Landmark’s range of litter bins crafted from recycled plastic. These bins not only divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans but also serve as a visual reminder of the potential for recycled materials to be transformed into functional and aesthetically pleasing products. Similarly, many manufacturers now offer benches, planters, and other road furniture made from recycled wood or metal, further closing the loop and minimising the environmental impact of urban infrastructure.

What’s next for street furniture in the UK?

As urban areas prioritise net-zero goals, expect to see more solar-powered furniture and AI-integrated systems for optimised public services. For instance, smart benches with solar panels and sensors could monitor usage patterns, environmental conditions, and maintenance needs, enabling efficient resource allocation and reducing operational costs.

Emerging technologies like modular designs will allow furniture to adapt to changing community needs. Reconfigurable seating areas, planters, and signage could be easily rearranged or expanded, promoting flexibility and longevity. Additionally, climate-resilient furniture made from durable, weather-resistant materials will become increasingly crucial to withstand extreme conditions exacerbated by climate change.

These innovative approaches present exciting opportunities for urban planners, designers, and community members alike. Consider how incorporating sustainable, smart, and adaptable furniture could enhance public spaces, promote environmental stewardship, and foster a sense of community pride and engagement in your projects or neighbourhoods.

Shaping the future of urban spaces

Modernising furniture in the street is not just about updating appearances; it’s about embracing innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful design to shape the future of our urban spaces. By integrating these principles, we can create environments that are functional, inclusive, and environmentally conscious, enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

At Made by Landmark, we’re proud to be a trusted furniture shop in this journey, offering tailored solutions as a single-source supplier. This approach saves time, reduces costs, and simplifies the administrative process, making your projects seamless and efficient.

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