Watford High Street free wi-fi and charging hubs proposed

Focus Public Networks Ltd has applied for permission to put the units up and display advertising videos on the back of them today (August 29).

Each would serve as a phone box but also offer free wi-fi for High Street shoppers, a point to charge devices, direct access to local webpages, and a publicly accessible defibrillator.

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CGI showing how the hubs would look in Watford High Street. (Image: Watford Borough Council planning portal/JCDecaux)

All functions would apparently be funded by the advertising revenue from the adverts on the back, which could also be used to show safety campaign messages.

Separate plans for the units and individual applications for advertising consent at each are all currently pending council consideration.

The applicant describes traditional telephone boxes as “ill equipped to keep pace with the modern digital environment”, in contrast to its design.

CGI showing how the hubs would look in Watford High Street. (Image: Watford Borough Council planning portal/JCDecaux)

Hubs would be installed outside 106 The Parade (The Sunshine Co), 49 The Parade (G.Gibson Butchers), 114 High Street (H&T Pawnbrokers), 45-47 High Street (TGI Fridays), and 24 Clarendon Road (near the Palace Theatre).

The displays would be switched off between 12am and 6am but the defibrillators would be available to use in an emergency 24/7.