Guest blog by Philip Grant
Long-term residents of Wembley may remember a row of three such kiosks, which used to stand in Empire Way, not far from the western end of Wembley Arena. They were the iconic K6 telephone kiosks, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935 (the year after the Empire Pool, as it then was, opened). Those boxes were removed by BT about 15 years ago.
Philip Grant.
It may
be some time before “staying at home” and restrictions on social gatherings are
eased, which would allow us to return to the Civic Centre or Wembley Arena, but
when we can there will be something “new” to see.
 |
in Arena Square, Engineers Way. (Photo courtesy of Quintain) |
I heard last week that Quintain, the
Wembley Park developers, have acquired three of the traditional red telephone
boxes, which are being installed in Arena Square, opposite the Civic Centre.
Long-term residents of Wembley may remember a row of three such kiosks, which used to stand in Empire Way, not far from the western end of Wembley Arena. They were the iconic K6 telephone kiosks, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935 (the year after the Empire Pool, as it then was, opened). Those boxes were removed by BT about 15 years ago.
 |
The Empire Pool in 1948, with
the row of three ‘phone boxes marked. (Based on “Britain from Above”
image EAW018319)
|
Quintain had been looking to recreate the row
of three red boxes for some time, and have reintroduced these kiosks to
the local scene as part of their "public realm" improvements. We won't be able to make a call from them (or
press button “B” to get our 4d back). I have been told that they will probably
be used for art displays and other community events, once “normal” life
returns.
It is purely by chance that I received this
Wembley Park “heritage” news just in time to share it with you now. My new
series of illustrated local history articles, starting this coming weekend, is The
Wembley Park Story!
Philip Grant.
