Council leaders have agreed to launch a £2.3 million scheme to deliver faster internet for businesses and residents.

Newcastle Borough Council's digital infrastructure project will see up to 50km of fibre cables installed in the town's urban core.

Cabinet members approved the appointment of ITS Technology Group to deliver the fibre network following a procurement exercise, which will allow the scheme to go ahead. Funding has come from Newcastle's £23.6 million Town Deal from the government.

The fibre network will cover the Town Deal area, between the M6 and A500 and as far north as the A34 junction on the D Road. Community centres in this area will be connected to the network to create neighbourhood 'digital hubs' for residents.

Deputy council leader, Stephen Sweeney, said the project will bring superfast broadband (Image supplied).

A second phase of the project will see the appointment of an internet provider which will connect individual residents and businesses to the network.

Deputy council leader Stephen Sweeney, who is also portfolio holder for finance, town centres and growth, said: "This project will bring superfast broadband with gigabyte speeds, utilising the existing duct routes underneath our highways.

"There will also be the development of several digital hubs in our communities, h access to the gigabyte network will be made available as part of the overall project, as sites such as the communities centres or the museum.

"Deployment of a fibre network is expected to bring substantial benefits, enabling businesses and community digital connectivity in areas that are not being served by the commercial market, or where there is the potential to overcome digital exclusion."

Council leader, Simon Tagg, welcomed the project moving forward (LDRS).

Council leader Simon Tagg welcomed the project moving forward, saying it would help make Newcastle a more attractive place to do business, as well as giving community centres 'a new lease of life'.

He said: "This is a really unique opportunity to get good, fast internet connections, not only for residents, but for businesses as well, as the world of business operates on online transactions. Having a fast, reliable connection is important for that. Newcastle is the place to come and open your business."

Newcastle's Town Deal is also funding regeneration projects in the town centre, Chesterton and Knutton, and new bus services.

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