Hyperfast Broadband Expansion Underway in Upper Weardale
Residents of Upper Weardale are set to benefit from hyperfast broadband as the B4RN (Broadband
for the Rural North Ltd) project advances. This project, extending from Killhope to the east side of
Westgate, will provide connectivity to even the most isolated properties to full-fibre gigabit
broadband.
The area from Eastgate and Rookhope to Frosterley is progressing as a separate project. If
successful, the initiative is set to secure significant government funding through BDUK (Building
Digital UK), a program backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology,
supporting efforts to enhance digital inclusion within rural areas.
A dedicated Volunteer Group has been established to work alongside B4RN and local community.
Every property within the project area has the opportunity to be connected to the network, no
matter how remote. The project also offers a free service to selected community buildings, such as
village halls, primary schools, and places of worship. Progress to date has been positive, with a
growing number of wayleaves agreed and registrations of interest increasing.
How the Project Works
B4RN relies on a community-focused approach, requiring local investment and support before
expanding its network. Volunteers and landowners work together to establish routes, obtain
wayleaves and increase registered interest. Once sufficient registrations and wayleaves are secured,
local investment will be required to cover costs beyond the government funding provided by BDUK.
This is in the form of shares in B4RN, which ask for a minimum of a three-year commitment and
pay interest of 5% per annum. The final investment amount will depend on the number of properties
that have registered interest in the service.
Once these crucial steps are completed, the project transitions into the delivery phase, paving the
way for network construction to begin. After the fibre optic cables are installed, properties can enjoy
speeds of up to 1000Mbps.
Current Progress
The Upper Weardale B4RN project has progressed from the feasibility phase into the
development phase, concentrating on confirming demand and securing investment.
The dedicated Volunteer Project Group is diligently working to secure wayleaves and raise
community awareness. These volunteers have received extensive training to ensure they can
effectively communicate the project’s benefits and address any questions from residents,
landowners, and potential investors.
Currently, registrations of interest are at:
17% in Wearhead
12% in St John’s Chapel
The project requires at least 30% of local properties to register interest to move forward.
Next Steps
With momentum building, the key objectives for the upcoming months include:
Securing wayleaves for the main network routes
Encouraging more residents and businesses to register their interest
Beginning the delivery phase in summer 2025, providing targets are met
The B4RN Volunteer Project Group is keen to hear from residents, businesses, and local authorities
to address any concerns and ensure the success of this transformative broadband initiative.
For more information or to register interest, visit https://b4rn.org.uk/b4rn-north-east/weardale
Investing in B4RN is investing in community, in your future, in resilience, in connectivity. Become a
member today!
Invest £1500+ and enjoy:
Waived Connection Fee – Instant Saving of £60!
3 Months Free Broadband Service – Get Connected!
Find out more b4rn.info/investors-offer-2025
