Nigel Huddleston MP joined Superfast Worcestershire and local Councillors at the Lift UP Gym at Blackminster Business Park to launch the next phase of the broadband rollout across Worcestershire. Superfast Worcestershire, which is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, have signed a contract with BT that will see superfast broadband provided to more than 5,300 further homes and businesses across the county. The new rollout is worth £6.2 million, comprised of £1 million funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), £3.7 million from the BT Group and £1.5 million from BDUK.
When work on this latest rollout phase is complete, 96.9% of Worcestershire homes and businesses will have access to superfast broadband.
Lift UP Gym was a fitting setting for the announcement. The gym, which was opened recently by Harriet Bain and Richard Stovell, has seen huge benefits from Superfast Worcestershire’s superfast broadband rollout and serves as an example of how greater connectivity can help local businesses grow.
At the event, Nigel Huddleston said, “I am very happy to join Superfast Worcestershire here at Lift UP Gym for this vitally important and hugely encouraging announcement. Broadband connectivity is one of the most frequent issues that is brought to me as the MP and something that needs particularly addressing in rural areas such as Worcestershire.
Phase 3 will make a difference to the lives of so many of my constituents, with 5,300 new homes and businesses being connected to superfast broadband. This is important as a day to day commodity but also as a driver of economic growth. Many businesses in Worcestershire that previously feared being left behind by the increasingly digital economy will now be able to grow and thrive in the way that Lift UP Gym has.
I am grateful to Harriet and Richard for hosting us at the gym today and hope that their business serves as an example of further success stories in Worcestershire that are to come as a result of this announcement.”