A flagship broadband network that has already helped the Eurovision Song Contest and dozens of tech businesses has been completed - and local leaders say it will spark a ‘new digital era’ in Liverpool City Region.
The 214km gigabit-capable, full-fibre LCR Connect network is now 100% live, with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram set to host a celebration event today (Friday, February 23) at the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus alongside many of the businesses who have benefited from the project.
Some 350 companies already use the network while another 400 are in the process of being connected to it. One of those who use it is the M&S Bank Arena and ACC Liverpool complex on the city’s waterfront - and the network was used to support broadcasters during the massive Eurovision event in Liverpool last May.
Mayor Rotheram and the LCR Combined Authority hope LCR Connect will give an initial £105m boost to the local economy - and that as hi-tech jobs and training opportunities are created, the total boost could be worth up to £1bn.
The network has been built and rolled out by construction partner NGE and aims to be a competitively-priced super-fast and high capacity alternative to other broadband providers.
Mayor Rotheram said: “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.
“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.”
Sci-Tech Daresbury was the first place to start using the network,. It is home to the Hartree Centre’s Scafell Pike, the UK’s most powerful supercomputer dedicated to industrial research and development.
Professor Kate Royse, director of the Hartree Centre, said: “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. 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.”
Scott Bicknell, managing director of NGE, said: “It's a monumental achievement to see the LCR Connect network fully operational, a true testament to the power of collaboration and forward-thinking. 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.”
The LCR Connect network doubled internet capacity at Sci-Tech Daresbury to support more than 150 science and technology businesses there. At Baltic Creative in Liverpool it is providing ultrafast broadband for more than 100 digital and creative organisations.
Businesses showcased at today’s celebration event include tech firm Inovus Medical, from St Helens. Its chief technical officer Jordan Van Flute said: “Like many modern enterprises, Inovus Medical thrives on seamless connectivity. Thanks to LCR Connect, we've been able to establish high-speed connections across all Inovus locations within the UK. These dedicated lines enable us to collaborate effortlessly with our colleagues both domestically and internationally. LCR Connect's reliable service ensures that our team remains interconnected, fostering a collaborative environment that is essential for our global operations.”
Nickie Mason-Hunt, director for revenue and growth at Daresbury software specialist enChoice, said: “We work closely with the Sci-Tech Daresbury ecosystem and Liverpool University to ensure we are at the forefront of laying the AI foundation on how businesses create greater value from their information assets. LCR Connect’s reliable, fast connection is a vital part of how we do business.”
In Liverpool, social enterprise Make CIC offers affordable space for local makers, creative entrepreneurs and artists at centres in Huyton and Liverpool’s North Docks. Its latest centre in Birkenhead is set to open this summer.
Liam Kelly, Make CIC’s CEO, said: “Reliable and fast connections in our hubs have enabled our community of makers, creative entrepreneurs, and artists to sustain and grow their endeavours through a challenging economic time. The connection has played a key role in plans for the Argyle Street Creative hub we’re opening in Birkenhead, funded by Town Deal. Connectivity from LCR Connect will attract people to the area, support people to take their ideas to the next level and ultimately help the project grow these local economies.”
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