LCRCA Digital Infrastructure Project

Improved digital connectivity is a mayoral priority and LCR has some key digital assets that provide a significant competitive advantage to the attractiveness of the region. The “super-computer” is located at SciTech Daresbury, in Halton and the superfast GTT trans-atlantic cable reaches the UK mainland at Southport in Sefton. The LCRCA has ambition that these locations are interconnected and at the same time a digital backhaul network is established across the LCR. To deliver this ambition, the LCRCA is looking to establish a joint venture, or similar partnership, with a supplier in order to build, operate, commercialise and maintain a new digital connectivity backhaul network across the LCR. To improve the value, flexibility, and future-proofing of these arrangements, LCRCA is looking to establish a partnership arrangement with a supplier, who will support in the design, implementation, maintenance, operation and commercialisation of such network. The supplier will be prepared to enter into a long-term commercial and financial arrangement with LCRCA to support in delivering the wider ambition around the digital strategy for the LCR. This digital network is expected to deliver a dedicated full fibre connectivity network, with unlimited capacity, which passes through all LA localities. This will also support the future development of LA local access networks as well as wider commercial opportunities. In some cases, the network will provide immediate connectivity opportunities for key strategic locations and assets across the LCR. The LCRCA has undertaken some initial route mapping and worked with LA partners to “optimise” where a such a backhaul network could be located across each LA locality. The supplier will be expected to develop this initial work and identify opportunity for further improvement and refinement. To help stimulate demand and support with immediately available asset, the LCRCA is currently undertaking a “dig-once” programme to install ducting and chambers, in-advance of the partnership with the selected supplier being established. The “dig-once” programme will be delivered jointly with LA partners, and assets will be installed where possible along the indicative route during planned capital and maintenance work programmes. This will provide a significant amount of infrastructure asset which will be made available to the supplier in accordance with state aid and public procurement requirements. The LCRCA will make a significant contribution to the project through its Strategic Investment Fund and expects to contribute up to 50% of the overall commercial arrangement. In order to facilitate LCRCA’s contribution to the project, both in terms of infrastructure to be provided under the “dig once” programme and in terms of financial contributions, the LCRCA has assumed that a joint venture structure will be established. The procurement will include an opportunity for prospective suppliers to enter into dialogue with LCRCA and propose initial and then more detailed solutions, before LCRCA selects a preferred partner organisation. The LCRCA expects to down-select interested parties during this process and will seek to establish a preferred supplier and enter into commercial arrangements that deliver the best solution in terms of network, commercial ambition and value for money. LCRCA will be the Contracting Authority and will enter into any future joint venture or similar partnering arrangement with a preferred supplier, on behalf of itself and all the Liverpool City Region Local Authorities (Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Liverpool and Halton Councils). The LCRCA has authorised Merseytravel to administer this procurement on its behalf.