Full Breakdown
KX100 Telephone Kiosk at Britain’s Geographic Centre Granted Grade II Listing
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
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Core Event
The KX100 telephone kiosk situated at Dunsop Bridge in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley—recognised as the geographic centre of Great Britain—has been awarded Grade II-listed status by Historic England. The listing marks the first heritage protection for a KX100 model, the 100,000th public telephone box installed nationwide.
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Background & Context
Installed in the early 1990s, the kiosk was officially opened in June 1992 by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who made the inaugural call alongside pupils from Thornleyholme RC Primary School. The KX100 design, introduced in the 1980s, replaced the iconic red telephone boxes and initially faced criticism for its modern aesthetic. Over recent years, however, the model has attracted a niche following, prompting heritage advocates to seek formal protection.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
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Key Figures & Groups
- Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Explorer who inaugurated the kiosk in 1992.
- Jayne Rimmer – Representative of Historic England, describing the kiosk as “nationally significant” and part of the last generation of public telephone boxes.
- Oli Marshall – Campaigns director of the Twentieth Century Society, which applied for the listing and expressed delight at the outcome.
- Simon Hore – Leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council, noting the kiosk’s special place in local sentiment.
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Impact & Significance
Historic England’s assessment frames the kiosk as a noteworthy example of late-20th-century design, underscoring its cultural value despite earlier public ambivalence. The Twentieth Century Society highlighted the irony that the KX100, once seen as a threat to traditional red boxes, now serves as a heritage centerpiece. Council leader Simon Hore anticipates the listed status will enhance community pride, especially as the upcoming Tour de France passes through Dunsor Bridge next July, positioning the kiosk as a focal point for celebrations.
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Official Statements & Responses
Oli Marshall of the Twentieth Century Society described the listing as a triumph for modern design advocacy, while Simon Hore of Ribble Valley Borough Council affirmed the kiosk’s emotional resonance for residents.