Rincewind Posted 29 March 2014 Posted 29 March 2014 http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Dial-M-mocha-Phone-box-outside-Leicester-station/story-20879401-detail/story.html?ito=email_newsletter_leicestermercury One of the red phone boxes outside Leicester railway station could be converted into a cafe Comments (2) An iconic red phone box outside Leicester’s railway station is set to be turned into the city’s smallest cafe. It comes after other red phone boxes across the country – all of which are grade II-listed – have been converted into mini-libraries, first aid points and put to other uses. A company from Brighton is planning to convert one of Leicester railway station’s two red phone boxes into a mini kiosk, serving coffee, ice cream and snacks to hungry commuters. A planning application has been submitted to Leicester City Council and is awaiting approval. The idea has been welcomed by Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society. He said: “We’re all in favour of new uses for old buildings, including the phone boxes. “I think this is a very nice idea and should do well.†The designs submitted to the council show the phone box containing storage units, a counter and coffee and ice cream machines. The novel idea caught the imagination of people in Leicester yesterday. Martyn Hancock, 54, who lives in the city, said: “It’s a bit bizarre, but you never know, it could be quite good. I think it’s a good idea – no-one really uses phone boxes any more so you’d have to do something with them.†John Clyde, 43, from Syston, said: “They’re iconic aren’t they, so it would attract a lot of attention and keep them alive, so that’s really positive.†Sam Kingston, 24, from Leicester’s West End, said: “I love red phone boxes, they’re so English. Americans all think we still have them outside our homes and on every corner. “I don’t know how many sandwiches you’d be able to sell from one, but I think it’s a fantastic idea.†The planning application states: “The concept of public phone boxes is now outdated as the majority of people own a mobile phone. The proposed new use maintains their iconic appearance, but reinvents their use to suit the 21st century. The concept of adapting phone boxes to different uses has been adopted throughout the country, with more than 2,000 adapted to varied uses.†The two boxes outside the station are examples of the K6 design – a commemorative red phone box created in 1935 for the silver jubilee of King George V. They were the first design to be used extensively outside London and featured in virtually every English town and city. Brighton architect Miles Broe, who is working for the applicant, said: “The idea is that we donate a percentage of the takings to a local charity, which is chosen by the council. “They haven’t said which one yet, but we’ve got a number of similar projects lined up all over the country. “And we expect to have the Leicester one up and running by the summer.†Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Dial-M-mocha-Phone-box-outside-Leicester-station/story-20879401-detail/story.html?ito=email_newsletter_leicestermercury#ixzz2xNI4tJi6
Rincewind Posted 29 March 2014 Author Posted 29 March 2014 Phonebox. Blame typo on City win. Can a mod correct it before someone notices it?
Rincewind Posted 29 March 2014 Author Posted 29 March 2014 I aways thought it was a loo when I pass it late at night on the way home.
AyewJoking Posted 29 March 2014 Posted 29 March 2014 wouldnt this make them a target for thieves? if so who would foot the repair bill?
foxes_rule1978 Posted 29 March 2014 Posted 29 March 2014 I don't know if they would get many customers eating inside....
MPH Posted 30 March 2014 Posted 30 March 2014 This article rings a bell... Think it might be phoney....
Rincewind Posted 30 March 2014 Author Posted 30 March 2014 This article rings a bell... Think it might be phoney.... It's not April 1st yet.
Webbo Posted 30 March 2014 Posted 30 March 2014 I'm not going to get engaged in these puns. It's. Not the sort of thing that gives me a buzz.
Trav Le Bleu Posted 30 March 2014 Posted 30 March 2014 I'm not going to get engaged in these puns. It's. Not the sort of thing that gives me a buzz. Some of them have a certain ring to them though.
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