North East seaside town gets recovery boost with multi-million pound connectivity scheme

A coastal town in the North East is set to receive a boost in its connectivity capabilities through a new multi-million pound initiative.

Durham County Council has funded the installation of free public wi-fi in Seaham town centre in a bid to help boost footfall after coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

Technology integrator North is installing the wi-fi, which will run from the west end of Church Street to the Marina, and from the north end of North Terrace to Byron Place Shopping Centre.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are committed to our plan to further regenerate and invest in the county’s towns and villages to ensure communities can benefit from thriving and sustainable high streets and centres.

“In this increasingly digital age people are finding more ways to connect with each other.

“This project will enhance the experience for residents and visitors, attracting more people into our towns, increasing footfall and levels of spend, and boosting our visitor economy, particularly as we look ahead to the county’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”

David Ruthven, sales director at North, added: “Wi-fi and the real-time data it captures has an increasingly important role in regenerating the high street, and with added pressures as a result of the pandemic, it’s important that the council can provide services that not only enhance local areas but contribute to making them safer for residents and visitors.

“We are thrilled to be working in conjunction with Durham County Council on the roll out of the wireless infrastructure across its towns, combining the latest technology with innovative software to gain more than just the supply of public access wi-fi, allowing the council to understand visitor demographics and make informed decisions in line with local requirements.”