Village phone box set for a new lease of life
A long-disused red phone box in Rodmarton is set for a new lease of life thanks to support from Cotswold District Council. The project will help restore and relocate the village’s phone box, with residents invited to help decide its future purpose.
From community libraries to miniature art galleries and defibrillator stations, restored phone boxes across the country have taken on many imaginative new roles - and Rodmarton’s is due to join the list after it was one of two community-led projects to receive part of Cotswold District Council’s £8,000 pledge via its Crowdfund Cotswold platform.
The funding boost will help bring to life a rural arts programme and a heritage restoration project which have both been developed by residents of Cotswold district.
The two projects receiving support are:
- Sparkhouse Creatives — aims to deliver affordable, accessible arts activities to young people across rural North Cotswolds. The project plans to run weekly arts workshops in several rural communities, offer holiday arts camps, and provide creative opportunities for young people who might otherwise face barriers to accessing the arts.
- Rodmarton Phone Box Restoration Plan — proposed by Rodmarton Parish Council, this project will relocate, restore and re-home the village’s traditional red phone box, giving a neglected landmark a fresh purpose. As part of the project, the parish council will consult with residents to decide how the refurbished phone box should be used.
The council’s pledge is part of its ongoing commitment to empower community-led projects that enrich life across the Cotswolds via the Crowdfund Cotswold scheme. Having already backed a wide range of successful projects, the council believes these two new initiatives will bring real benefit - by fostering creativity, supporting community cohesion, and helping preserve a piece of local heritage.
Cllr Patrick Coleman, cabinet member for finance and portfolio holder for Crowdfund Cotswold, said: “We’re delighted to support these two fantastic community projects. Sparkhouse Creatives will bring arts opportunities to young people in our rural areas, while the Rodmarton phone box project preserves a piece of local heritage and transforms it for community use.
“Crowdfund Cotswold enables residents to get involved and make these projects a reality, and we encourage everyone to lend their support."
Roz Morton, Clerk of Rodmarton Parish Council, said: “Rodmarton Parish Council is thrilled to be able to refurbish and relocate this iconic phone box in the village. It’s been great to have so much support from residents for this project.
“We would like to thank Cotswold District Council for supporting us through their Crowdfund Cotswold scheme to make this happen - we are all excited to see it come to fruition in 2026.”
Crowdfund Cotswold allows anyone to pledge from as little as £2 to help local projects. To pledge your support or explore other community campaigns, visit: https://www.spacehive.com/movement/crowdfundcotswold