Smart columns get Hartlepool go-ahead

Pioneering smart columns are to be rolled out in Hartlepool to bring cutting-edge technology to residents, visitors and businesses.

The smart columns are set to be installed at six locations between Hartlepool Railway Station and Hartlepool Marina in a pilot to test the latest technology.

The eight-metre columns incorporate electronic screens, smart street lighting, environmental monitors, traffic counters and audio speakers, with some also including 4G and 5G enabled small cells.

The wireless technology will complement the waterfront connectivity project being undertaken by Hartlepool Borough Council and funded through Hartlepool Town Deal.

Planning approval for five columns in the Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) area was granted by HDC planning board last week paving the way for installation. A further column, located near the new Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub was approved by the Council in October.

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.”

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."

The columns include smart lighting which can be controlled remotely and dimmed and turned off when necessary to provide energy savings and a key feature of each smart column will be two 55” electronic display screens. 

The 5G small cells will provide a private 5G network, used initially to test potential use cases with the intention on rolling it out to businesses and attractions in the area, and expanding to a public 5G network in the future.

The content will be controlled by Hartlepool Borough Council and will advertise local council events with additional direction advice, alongside train and bus timetables.

Three columns will host small traffic sensors to monitor traffic and pedestrian footfall, feeding data back into the existing Urban Traffic Management System, aiming to improve traffic flows, incident and event management. 

Alongside Hartlepool, new columns are being introduced at Teesside International Airport and TVCA is being supported by private neutral host partners Dense Air in developing the projects.

The rollout comes after Tees Valley 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 added use cases of smart multi-purpose columns in the UK.

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