FOURTEEN state-of-the-art high tech ‘smart hubs’ could be coming to Newton Abbot. 

The modern, touch-screen hubs provide integrated digital screens as well as access to life-saving defibrillators. 

A planning application has been submitted by Newton Abbot Town Council for the installation of the hubs at 14 locations around the town centre. 

The free-standing structures feature a fully accessible interactive tablet along with larger digital display screens on two sides.

Benefits of the hubs, which are already in use in Belfast, range from wireless mobile phone charging to local information and maps.

Newton Abbot Town Council has teamed up with the Urban Innovation Company to apply which to Teignbridge planners to introduce the Pulse Smart Hubs, thought to be the first in the south west. 

UIC says it is the only community-first smart street furniture provider in the UK delivering ‘communication, connectivity, and lifesaving equipment specifically tailored to local areas’.

The hubs are self-funding through advertising so there would be no cost to the council and taxpayers. 

UIC explained: ‘In essence the Pulse Smart Hubs are redefining the role of the quintessentially and now largely redundant British payphone or telephone kiosk network to bridge the digital divide to make people better connected and feel safer in their community with integrated digital screens and emergency functionality including provision of defibrillators.’

In a statement UIC said: ‘The Pulse Smart Hub, has been designed, developed and engineered to provide improved connectivity with access to information and services directed towards the specific needs of the local community, real-time data and direct access to emergency lifesaving equipment including a public access defibrillator.’

Town Centre Development Manager Sally Henley said she had been ‘intrigued’ by the concept and thought they would be a great asset for Newton Abbot. 

She said: ‘Having found out that they were self-funding, the idea of having some in our town centre was even more appealing. 

‘I am constantly asked about the availability of defibrillators throughout the town.  

‘I know we have a greatly increased number over the last few years, but to have more, so centrally located and so visible is something that I know would be wholeheartedly welcomed by the community. 

‘I am pleased that we have got to the stage of a planning application for them so quickly.

‘It’s an exciting project.’ 

If approved, the hubs would be located at sites including Queen Street, Courtenay Street, East Street, Market Street, The Avenue, Wolborough Street and Cricketfield Road. 

UIC pays for installation, operation and ongoing maintenance through paid-for advertising on the main screens.

The touchscreen provides the capability of free access to: • built-in public access defibrillator • built-in nasal aaloxone opioid antagonist (a drug used under controlled conditions for the emergency treatment of a drug overdose) • emergency safety button for anyone who is vulnerable • 999 emergency service button • free phone calls with a built-in speaker and receiver • free Wi-Fi • digital wayfinding and mapping. • wireless mobile phone charging • hyper-local information on what’s on, council services and helplines.