Decision details

To invest £200k of Futures Fund monies to take the opportunity of installing up to 3.75km of ducting for gigabit fibre during the course of the Transforming Travel (TCF) programme works over the next 3-6 months.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning has considered any representations received and determined to confirm the decision outlined above without modification.

One of the key elements of the Smart Place Strategy and Programme is the provision of gigabit fibre (‘full fibre’).

Installing ducting for gigabit fibre during the course of any excavation works for the ongoing Transforming Travel (TCF) programme works can be done at approximately 60% of the normal cost.  The likelihood of future traffic disruption resulting from duct laying is also reduced. The provision of ducting and fibre has a number of direct benefits for the TCF programme.

Over the next 3-6 months approximately 5km of TCF programme routes will be constructed. It is estimated that 75% of the routes will involve excavation. It is therefore estimated that 3.75km of ducting can be installed within ‘open’ trenches during the course of the TCF works at an estimated cost of £200k.

A Cabinet Report setting out the ‘Invest to Save’ business case for Council investment in ducting and gigabit fibre is due to go to Cabinet on 27^th October 2021. However, in order not to miss out on the immediate opportunity of laying ducting during the course of the TCF works over the next 3-6 months an urgent Portfolio Decision is needed now to provide immediate funding of £200k. The Decision will enable planning and sourcing of materials to take place immediately.