Truro to get ‘giant smartphones’ installed on streets

Digital screens will be installed on streets in Truro despite fears they could clutter the area.

The 8ft-high “smart hubs” will feature digital advertising screens, public wi-fi, free phone calls, charging points, and emergency health support including a built-in defibrillator and nasal medicine to treat drug overdoses.

The Urban Innovation Company won planning permission to install and operate Pulse Smart Hubs at seven locations in Truro.

Two Truro councillors called for the application to go to committee, citing concerns about its impact on Truro Conservation Area , according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ollie Smith, managing director of Pulse Smart Hubs, told the planning committee on Monday 22 September that there is a pilot scheme underway in Belfast. He also mentioned that there are more than 85 installations planned for next year, including in Newquay, Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Cullompton, Okehampton, and Bideford.

He explained that the hubs are funded by advertising revenue, making them free for use for residents and taxpayers.

He added: “Unlike outdated phone boxes or advertising panels, they provide core services such as free phone calls and free wi-fi, with innovations including interactive mapping, digital noticeboards, and a minimum of 5% display time to local stakeholders to use completely free of charge.”

The Truro-based hubs will be installed on Old Bridge Street, City Road, Newquay Road, Pydar Street, Lemon Quay, Station Road and Treyew Road. Five other hubs were removed from the plan at the request of English Heritage.

Liberal Democrat councillor Steven Webb, who represents Truro Moresk and Trehaverne, said: “I still do not love the look – the big lit screens in the historic centre feel like giant smartphones on our streets. That sits uneasy with me, but on balance the public benefits may now carry more weight than before.”

Independent councillor Loic Rich, who represents Truro Tregolls, said: “They are huge – they’re taller than people. It’s not about whether it’s in keeping with the conservation area. It’s about health and wellbeing – we’re bombarded with advertising. Everybody has a smartphone.”

Conservative councillor Martyn Alvey, who represents Feock and Kea, said: “The benefits of these units outweigh the extra advertising.”