St Helens Digital Infrastructure Project Shortlisted in national 'Let's Celebrate Towns' competition
The St Helens Digital Infrastructure Project has been named as a finalist in the 'Let's Celebrate Towns' competition organised by Visa and the British Retail Consortium. The initiative recognises towns that are overcoming challenges and delivering excellence to support their local economies. A total of 50 towns have been shortlisted across six categories.
Article date: 4 July 2025
The Digital Infrastructure Project, funded by St Helens Town Deal, is one of eight finalists in the Connectivity category which highlights towns that are leading the way in enhancing both digital and physical connectivity to foster an inclusive society.
Led by St Helens Borough Council, the project is being delivered in partnership with digital infrastructure experts CJ Founds Associates and Elevate®, a leading provider of full fibre business internet and networks. The project will see the roll out of an ultrafast full fibre broadband network across St Helens town centre, strengthening the town's digital infrastructure to support local business, attract investment and benefit residents and visitors alike.
A panel of judges made up of experts across business and industry will now decide on the six category winners. The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the House of Lords in July and each winning town will receive £20,000 to support a new or existing community initiative.
Councillor Keith Laird, Cabinet Member for People, Performance and IT said:
"Being shortlisted for the 'Let's Celebrate Towns' competition is a testament to the bold and forward-thinking vision behind the St Helens Digital Infrastructure Project.
"This recognition underlines our commitment to creating a digitally connected, inclusive town centre that can meet the demands of modern life and empower local communities and businesses to thrive."
Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said:
"Regeneration is about making our borough ready for the future - not just in terms of infrastructure, but in creating the conditions for inclusive, sustainable growth. This project directly supports our Inclusive Growth Strategy for St Helens, helping to boost digital connectivity for existing businesses, to attract new ones and open up opportunities for all of our residents. Being shortlisted for a national award is a proud moment and a clear recognition of the ambition and impact of our work."
The Town Deal programme aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. This is through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure.
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