AN INTERNATIONAL link which was forged when Rugby transmitted the first transatlantic phone call is being strengthened.
Rugby’s new neighbourhood – currently under construction at the old Mast Site – has been named Houlton in honour of the town in Maine, USA which received the historic call in 1927.
Developers Urban&Civic made the 6,000 mile round trip as part of a commitment to build closer relations between the two Houltons.
James Scott, director of planning and communications at Urban&Civic, who was part of the visit to Houlton, said: “The town gave us a very warm welcome. When we explained how the new Houlton will be developed everyone was excited about the future links that could be established between the two Houltons, which celebrate their historic connections.
“We hope this visit will be the first of many transatlantic crossings and look forward to one day welcoming our friends from old Houlton and showing them around the new Houlton.”
Nancy Ketch, community development director for Houlton in Maine, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to host this visit and learn about the plans for ‘new Houlton’.
“We share a role in a significant historical development in the world’s technology. We hope to continue this connection well into the future and share many new experiences as Houlton in Rugby is developed.”
The development on the eastern edge of Rugby was formerly home to 12 820ft masts which helped pioneer global communications in the 1920s. They also played a vital role in the county’s advancements in telecommunications, as well as its defence and military efforts. During the 1950s, the site was also the world’s largest radio station.
RadioStation Rugby is a joint venture between developers Urban&Civic and Aviva Investors, which co-own the site. Over the next 15-20 years, 6,200 homes, three primary schools, one secondary school, an eight-GP health centre, a link road connecting the site to the town centre and extensive green spaces and amenities will be developed in and around Houlton.
Work began at the site earlier this year. Work currently underway includes a new junction, roundabout and cycleway along the A428 Crick Road, refurbishment and redevelopment of Dolman Farm to create a visitor centre, and a café and community facilities which are set to open in the summer. The first roads and houses are set to begin construction in the summer.
