CLECKHEATON, WEST YORKSHIRE

As part of Virgin Media O2’s ongoing 5G and network infrastructure investment across Yorkshire, CU Phosco worked with long-term partner Mitie to support the installation of a new 22.5-metre monopole structure on Westgate Road, Cleckheaton. The site, located within CU Phosco’s own manufacturing facility grounds, plays a direct role in improving mobile connectivity for the local community.

This project forms part of Virgin Media O2’s wider commitment to expand digital connectivity across the region, having already invested more than £188 million in Yorkshire. Over 100 locations, including Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield, now benefit from Virgin Media O2’s 5G service—bringing faster speeds, more reliable coverage, and new digital opportunities to thousands of residents and businesses.

To support this rollout, a 22.5-metre monopole was installed to provide a high vantage point for 5G equipment. At the top of the pole sits a heavy-duty equipment headload weighing nearly five tonnes (4,900kg). This includes 36 advanced 5G antenna and radio units, arranged to provide 360-degree coverage. The configuration supports high data demands and multiple simultaneous users — key for modern network performance.

CU Phosco’s telecommunications structures are designed for durability, performance, and adaptability. With decades of experience supporting the mobile telecommunications industry, the team delivered detailed structural calculations and engineering drawings to ensure compliance with Virgin Media O2’s specifications and Mitie’s installation requirements.

The monopole and its components were designed to be robust yet unobtrusive, with materials hot-dip galvanised for long-term environmental resistance. A 4900-120-36PH6 headload configuration was selected to meet the site's performance goals.

This project was delivered in close collaboration with Ben Shearer, Senior Delivery Manager at Mitie, who commented:

Collaborating with CU Phosco on the Westgate Works installation has been a seamless and highly professional experience. Their deep expertise in telecommunications infrastructure and commitment to Right First-Time delivery makes them a trusted and valued partner. The final installation is of a high specification, meeting both our technical and operational standards, and aligns perfectly with Mitie’s own commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CU Phosco on future telecommunications infrastructure projects."

Eric Grieve, Factory Manager at CU Phosco, added:

"As a main supplier to the telecoms industry, we were pleased to see one of our own structures installed here in Cleckheaton. It’s a positive reflection of the trust network operators place in our products. Securing telecoms projects like this has added real value to our operations, bringing new opportunities and helping us grow."

The Westgate Works installation has improved 5G coverage for Cleckheaton and the surrounding area, supporting faster mobile data speeds, better signal reliability, and a more connected community.

This installation supports Virgin Media O2’s mission to expand access to superfast connectivity across the UK—enabling better video streaming, remote working, gaming, and online services. For towns like Cleckheaton, it means becoming part of a more inclusive and future-ready digital network.

CU Phosco’s expertise in delivering telecom structures — from street poles to monopoles — continues to play a central role in enabling the infrastructure needed for smarter, more connected communities.