Adur & Worthing to enjoy boost of more than £357m from CityFibre’s network rollout

A new report commissioned by CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has identified that Adur and Worthing stand to be huge beneficiaries from the rollout of future-proof full fibre infrastructure which is now well underway across the area.

The study by the consultancy Hatch, (Economic Impact of Full Fibre Infrastructure from CityFibre’s Network), estimates that, over a fifteen-year period, the positive impacts of CityFibre’s £25m investment across Adur and Worthing will include £197m in productivity and innovation gains, £43m from a widened workforce and £178m in increased housing value.

Technological benefits are also a major focus of the report, which demonstrates that CityFibre’s network in Adur and Worthing can help unlock £470m in gross value added (GVA) from 5G services, £125m from the Internet of Things (IoT) and £83m from Smart City initiatives, like intelligent traffic management systems and street lighting.

The continuing transition to home and flexible working, supported by full fibre access at home and in the office, is also unlocking access to a larger pool of labour for employers. In Adur and Worthing, working productivity uplifts are estimated to exceed £11m.  

The direct impact of network construction is also identified as a major contributor to Adur and Worthing’s local economy, creating network construction jobs within CityFibre’s build partners and supply chain. Wherever possible, the new jobs are being recruited locally to support the rollout. 

The UK stands to benefit from over £38bn in potential economic benefits. Productivity improvements and innovation are responsible for the largest impact, driving more than £22bn in GVA gains nationwide. This is due to the positive effect that far faster and more reliable digital connectivity has been shown to have on business productivity and innovation, increasing turnover and contributing to the formation of new businesses and business models.

Adrian Smith, Area Manager for Adur & Worthing at CityFibre, said: “We’re going into a brave new era for Adur and Worthing, full fibre is here and we’re ready to start embracing the many benefits and opportunities that it brings. The network roll out will help West Sussex realise its full potential, encouraging growth while providing a solid platform for innovation and investment.

“We are extremely proud of our rollout so far in the area, and the £25m investment we’re making here. The positive impact that it will have on residents and businesses now and in the future is something that we’re so excited about.”

Cllr Martin McCabe, Worthing Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “CityFibre not only means better connected offices and homes, it means Worthing is more attractive as a place to live, work and visit.

“As a Council for the community, we’re determined to ensure that this leads to a revitalised town centre, bringing benefits to everyone in the borough.”

Cllr Steve Neocleous, Adur District Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said: “Ultrafast broadband is essential for a 21st Century economy, both in the workplace and at home.

“This investment in our infrastructure will pay dividends for many years to come as we continue to make Adur even more digitally connected.”

Residents interested in giving their home broadband a boost can find out more about the build and check whether services are live by visiting here: https://cityfibre.com/homes