A group of smart columns with a number of technology features are to be installed for a pilot project at six locations in the town centre of Hartlepool.
Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) has announced the plan, most of which was approved last week by the board of the Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC).
The eight-metre columns will incorporate electronic screens, smart street lighting, environmental monitors, traffic counters and audio speakers, with some also including 4G and 5G enabled small cells.
TVCA said the wireless technology will complement a waterfront connectivity project undertaken by Hartlepool Borough Council and funded through the Hartlepool Town Deal.
HDC has approved the installation of five columns in locations under its control, while the council gave approval for the other one in October.
Tech features
Each of the columns will have two 55-inch electronic display screens with content to be controlled by the council, advertising its events and providing wayfaring directions with train and bus timetables.
The 5G small cells will provide a private network, initially to test potential use cases with the intention of rolling them out to businesses and attractions in the area, and expanding to a public 5G network in the future.
Three columns will also host small sensors to monitor traffic and pedestrian footfall, feeding the data back to the existing urban traffic management system. This will enable the council to improve traffic flows and the management of incidents and events, and to plan its future transport schemes.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This technology is the first of its kind anywhere in the north of England and shows how our region is leading the way in introducing new technology which will make a big difference to people by delivering better connectivity and improving the quality of local networks.
“As a busy and growing destination for both businesses and visitors, it’s important this area of Hartlepool has the very best digital connectivity and this is yet another demonstration of how we are at the forefront of introducing innovative new technologies.”
Exploring tech potential
Councillor Karen Oliver, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s neighbourhood services committee, said: “I am delighted that Hartlepool is leading the way with the trial of this latest smart technology.
“As an innovative and forward thinking authority, we are to committed to exploring how technology can be harnessed to improve efficiency and provide services that benefit local residents and businesses, and visitors to the borough.”
New columns are also being introduced by TVCA at Teesside International Airport, supported by private neutral host partner Dense Air in developing the projects.
The roll out comes after the authority was successful in securing £200,000 from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme designed to trial the procurement, installation and use cases of smart multi-purpose columns in the UK.
