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The saga of the Big Screen in Marcus Square in Newry is well and truly in the past but a new initiative by BT will see a big screen once again in the area, albeit nowhere near as 'big' as the previous one that was removed for blocking the view to Newry Cathedral! It is part of a countrywide initiative where BT are replacing their old phone boxes with Street Hubs complete with 75" screens. Their old Red Coin boxes will remain in place and aren't part of the move to Street Hubs.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council currently have two applications for Planning Permission underway to remove the present phone boxes and replace them with the Hubs, one at Marcus Square and one at the Margaret Street/ Hill Street corner. Currently the phone boxes are a forlorn sight, covered in posters and generally run-down.
Deployment and maintenance of Street Hubs is funded by revenue from advertising on the digital displays and there’s no cost to the taxpayer. The Street Hub facility can be used by the public for free calls and wi-fi as well as free rapid device charging. It also will be used as an information point giving local information, maps and information on council services. A dedicated 999 button will also form part of the facility.
