LCR CONNECT SCOOPS SECOND NATIONAL AWARD

Mayor Steve Rotheram’s flagship project to create an ultrafast, full fibre network across the Liverpool City Region has scooped a second prestigious national award.

LCR Connect is installing a 214km gigabitcapable network that will generate an initial £105m for the local economy, eventually leading to an estimated £1bn boost.

The £30m joint venture between the Combined Authority, ITS and NGE is part of Mayor Rotheram’s mission to make the city region the most digitally connected in the UK.

LCR Connect has been named Best Project Roll Out at the Connected Britain awards, which recognise the most significant and innovative organisations, solutions and programmes that are shaping Britain’s digital future.

The award is for an organisation of any type that has been outstanding in enhancing the delivery of gigabit-capable broadband in the UK.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “A forward-facing city region like ours deserves to have modern and thriving infrastructure – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering through LCR Connect.

“As we move towards an increasingly digital

“A forward-facing city region like ours deserves to have modern and thriving infrastructure –and that’s exactly what we’re delivering through LCR Connect.” world, ensuring that our residents and businesses are properly connected up to this 21st century necessity has never been more important. Thanks to LCR Connect, we’re well on our way to becoming the most digitally inclusive region in the country –and creating a better-connected future for our 1.6m residents.”

LCR Connect is 50%-owned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, led by Mayor Rotheram, in partnership with North West-based ITS Technology Group, who are the lead commercial partner on the project, working alongside construction partner NGE, who are managing the build and roll out of the network.

Alongside existing local digital infrastructure, the new fibre optic network is helping position the city region as a world leader in digital technology.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS Technology Group, said:

“We are delighted this game-changing digital infrastructure project has received industry recognition. As a gigabit-capable super-highway, LCR Connect is opening up the digital potential for everyone across the City Region.

“Through future-proofed connectivity the network brings, we’re providing the platform for businesses and citizens to access digital tools that can make a real difference.

“From enabling innovation and inward investment, through to digital inclusion, it’s a network that will benefit the whole area.”