Community buildings to receive gigabit broadband

Dozens of community buildings across rural north Dorset are to be connected to next generation, gigabit-capable broadband thanks to a Getting Building Fund allocation from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Now 60 community sites from Blandford to Sherborne; including schools, community centres, a health centre, council depots, farms and adult social care residential homes; will be connected to world-class gigabit broadband by March 2022.

Following a competitive tender process, Blandford-based Wessex Internet has been awarded the contract to deliver full-fibre to these community buildings.

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP Director, said: “Digital connectivity has been instrumental in helping our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be vital in our recovery.

“Our Local Industrial Strategy for Dorset states that by 2030 we will lead a digital and cultural transformation across all communities and projects such as this will help fulfil that ambition.

“This investment will bring much-needed improvement to broadband speeds in some of Dorset’s most rural areas, greatly benefitting the local economy.”

Dorset Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wharf, said: “This is fantastic news for the communities in this area.

“It will mean some of our most rural areas, that would never be covered commercially, will be able to access the next generation of gigabit capable broadband.

“This is not only good news for the community organisations, all of which provide vital services, but also to the surrounding residents and business who will now have greater access to full-fibre infrastructure.” 

Building the network to these sites will bring many thousands of homes and businesses within reach of the new Wessex Internet network.  Residents and businesses in these areas will be eligible for further subsidy through gigabit vouchers funded by Government, Dorset Council and the Dorset LEP to offset the costs of installing full-fibre.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Managing Director of Wessex Internet, added: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract from Dorset Council and Dorset LEP, not only to connect these important community sites, but to enable us to rapidly expand our network to the rural communities between Blandford and Sherborne, and connect more homes and businesses. 

“We’re passionate about upgrading connectivity in the countryside and have already connected dozens of Dorset villages and hamlets to full fibre broadband. This will accelerate our work in this area and continue to expand our rapidly growing workforce in north Dorset.” 

[ENDS]                                                                                                           

Notes to Editors:

Photograph caption: Connecting the community. Community buildings across north Dorset are set to be connected to gigabit-capable broadband thanks to an investment from Dorset LEP and Dorset Council. Blandford-based Wessex Internet has been awarded the contract to connect 60 sites, including schools, from Blandford to Sherborne.  The company has experience in connecting community buildings to the latest broadband technology, including recently Durweston First School. From left to right: Dorset Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wharf; Chair of Dorset LEP, Cecilia Bufton; Wessex Internet MD Hector Gibson Fleming; and Headteacher of Durweston School, Nicola Brooke.

More information on the Fibre Hub Connectivity in Rural Dorset project can be found on the Dorset LEP website.

Dorset LEP

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is a business led private and public sector partnership, promoting local economic growth and prosperity. Dorset LEP deliver projects that support and develop infrastructure, housing, skills, enterprise and business growth to achieve long-term economic benefit for all in Dorset. 

For more information visit the Dorset LEP website http://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/

Getting Building Fund

On 4 August 2020, the government confirmed the list of over 300 successful projects which will receive a share of £900 million from the Getting Building Fund. The full list of projects is available on GOV.UK.

The Getting Building Fund is investing in shovel-ready infrastructure projects to create jobs and support economic recovery across the country. Projects funded include:

• regeneration of town and city centres
• green infrastructure and clean energy
• transport and digital connectivity improvements
• unlocking of housing and business sites
• support for SMEs and learners

The successful projects (over 300) are expected to deliver up to 85,000 jobs, over 1,500,000 sqm of commercial floor space, unlocking 45,000 homes, almost 1,000,000 sqm of public realm or green space improved or created, over 50,000 new learners assisted, and 65 million kgs of CO2 emissions saved.

All projects have been selected by Local Enterprise Partnerships and Mayoral Combined Authorities in each area and endorsed by the Housing Secretary.