Derelict BT boxes receive a Green Makeover

4th June 2026

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The classic K6 BT box, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was a familiar sight on the streets of the United Kingdom from 1926.

In 2006 the K2 telephone box was voted one of Britain's top 10 design icons along with another red favourite, the Routemaster bus.

The repurposing of telephone kiosks

Due to a significant drop in their use since and the invention of the mobile phones the classic red BT telephone kiosks are unloved, unused and unfortunately being removed or sold into private use throughout the UK.

However there are still some left on our streets - we have repainted and greened up 2 of them. With a fresh splash of BT red paint we have added a steel planter, 2 large Trachelospermum jasminoides, Vinca minor, Hedera helix and muehlenbeckia to two telephone boxes in Archway, Islington.

The project is a collaboration between Archway Low Emission Neighbourhood, Archway Town Centre Group, Islington Council and the Mayor of London.

During installation the team received a vast amount of positive feedback from local residents and we hope to replicate these throughout London.

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