Liverpool City Region’s gigabit-capable full-fibre network is now live, with the potential to deliver an economic boost of “up to £1bn” and create thousands of local jobs.
The 214km LCR Connect network will be available to more than 28k organisations, giving an initial £105m boost to the local economy.
“Since I was elected, I’ve been on a mission to transform our region into the most digitally connected area anywhere in the country. Today that vision is one step closer to becoming a reality,” stated Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
“The hallmark of any modern, 21st century city region like ours is how it connects people with opportunity. LCR Connect will help us to create thousands of high quality, secure jobs and training opportunities for local people, attract inward investment and ensure that our businesses can keep pace in an increasingly digital world. Best of all it’s half owned by us, the public, so we can reap the rewards of this investment for years to come.
“Our infrastructure has already been put to the test with global cultural events like Eurovision – but this is just the tip of the iceberg of what LCR Connect is capable of. Thanks to devolution, we’re creating a better-connected, more digitally inclusive future for our 1.6m residents.”
Today’s announcement was made at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) base at Sci-Tech Daresbury.
“LCR Connect is a key critical infrastructure that is helping us to grow our support for businesses to embrace and integrate advanced digital technologies to boost productivity, accelerate innovation and foster digital transformation in the North West,” added Professor Kate Royse, Director of STFC’s Hartree Centre based Sci-Tech Daresbury.
“Enhancing the connectivity of Sci-Tech Daresbury underpins our growth as we look to expand the campus to support 10,000 people working in science and technology. This will help us in our mission to reach more UK businesses, ensuring they have the right skills, access to expertise and technologies for societal and economic impact.”
Liverpool City Region believes that LCR Connect will deliver an initial £105m boost to the local economy and with 100% full fibre coverage across the city region, the economic benefits could be worth up to £1bn.
The network has been built and rolled out by NGE. It doubled Sci-Tech Daresbury’s internet capacity and also provided Eurovision organisers with specialised circuits in the venue.
“It’s a monumental achievement to see the LCR Connect network fully operational, a true testament to the power of collaboration and forward-thinking,” said Scott Bicknell, Managing Director of NGE.
“This isn’t just about technological advancement; it’s about knitting our communities closer together, enabling social connectivity on an unprecedented scale, and laying the groundwork for substantial economic growth across the region. The impact of this project will resonate for generations, driving innovation, attracting investment, and enhancing the quality of life for all. NGE are ecstatic to have played a pivotal role in this transformative journey, marking a new era of connectivity and opportunity.”
