Yorkshire Business

Funding for ultra-fast broadband in Leeds and Bradford will boost business and help attract investment, the leaders of the cities' respective councils have said.

Chancellor George Osborne confirmed that ultra fast broadband and wi-fi is to be funded in Leeds, Bradford, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Manchester and Newcastle.

Leeds and Bradford submitted a joint bid for funding through the Urban Broadband Fund as part of the Leeds City Region Partnership's plans to support economic growth and job creation.

The announcement includes government funding for the two cities of up to £15m to support projects which include rolling-out ultra-fast broadband access to more than 16,000 businesses, and to develop full wireless coverage within both city centres and along key transport corridors into and between both cities.

"I am very pleased that we have been successful in our joint bid to become one of the first super connected cities," said Leeds City Council leader councillor Keith Wakefield.

"This funding will enable us to accelerate the transformation of our cities, putting in place digital connections amongst the best in Europe.

"This will be a major attraction to business and will help in attracting further investment to both cities to support our economic growth ambitions."

Councillor Greenwood, leader of Bradford Council, added: "Creating a super-fast broadband network will be essential to ensure our businesses are able to take advantage of the opportunities of enhanced digital connectivity and remain competitive.

"This will support jobs in Bradford and the wider city region in coming years."

Jeff Pearey, head of Jones Lang LaSalle's Leeds office, believes the government's renewed focus on next-generation broadband provision should encourage new development in Leeds.

"Leeds can significantly benefit from its share of this £100m Government initiative," said Pearey.

"The city is already a significant IT and e-commerce area and has a growing number of businesses with special expertise in the video games and animations sectors. Making central government funding available for next-gen broadband can only enhance the city’s offer, and will attract more games designers and developers and boost e-commerce."