When we find transformational projects like this one the Smart Bench that you see behind me, and working with our partner Strawberry energy, it’s really a home run not only for Ford Motor Company and our objectives, but for the people that we serve.

Walking, along with driving and riding public transport, is part of how people get around in a city like London and Ford Smart Benches complement perfectly the increasingly connected lives we now lead.

This is not just about technology nor is it just a product. In my view it will be an interesting and ultimately very flexible piece of furniture that provides a service to the tech mobile consumers of today. Solar powered connectivity and amenity in a Smart City environment - what's not to like.

Cities will benefit greatly from the sensors in Strawberry Smart Bench, in terms of the information that they will capture. Having them in many different places will give us a map and picture of what is the quality of the environment like, what is the air quality like, and these will be important things for us to know and understand

Strawberry energy is creating Smart Cities by transforming street furniture into interactive devices

I’m very pleased that Lewisham is part of the start of this network of Smart Benches. We’re working hard to ensure the borough has the infrastructure it needs now and in the future. Finding creative ways to make the most of our public spaces benefits local communities and attracts people to come and see the great things Lewisham has to offer.

These Smart Benches seemed like the next step in our use of contactless technology to bring charitable giving closer to our supporters, integrating it seamlessly into cutting-edge street furniture.

The Smart Bench network provides an opportunity for brands and local boroughs to create positive, impactful experiences for communities, who benefit from the various smart utilities provided by the network. Partnering with Strawberry Energy, we’re very excited to initially launch the Smart Bench Network with Cancer Research UK, supporting World Cancer Day and pioneering tap to pay contactless fundraising on street furniture.

The Crown Estate is delighted to partner with Strawberry Energy to install these multifunctional smart benches across our retail schemes, as we continually strive to improve our shopping environments and respond to our consumers' ever-changing technology needs.