Free public Wi-Fi installed in New Brighton

Wi-Fi is now available for free in parts of New Brighton in a project to help local businesses.

The scheme will allow anyone in the area to access the Wi-Fi at no cost during their visit to the seaside town.

The project aims to support local business in two of the main independent shopping areas of New Brighton and is available in parts of Victoria Road and Seabank Road.

Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: “Lots of popular tourist destinations have areas where free public Wi-Fi is available and we jumped at the chance to secure funding for this in New Brighton.

“I’m pleased to see that the town – one of our most popular areas for tourism – has been granted this funding. It will mean visitors and locals alike can access fast, secure internet access while they’re in the area without having to worry about expensive data charges. 

“And most importantly I hope it also encourages even more people to use the fantastic local shops and businesses New Brighton has to offer while they’re in the area.”

The scheme, which will enable people visiting the New Brighton to access the Wi-Fi through their device – such as phones, tablets or laptop – and is costing £5,000, is funded through the Liverpool City Region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation, managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

There will be Wi-Fi coverage along Seabank Road between Vaughan Road and Ash Grove as well as the main shopping area on Victoria Road with coverage focused between the Mermaid Sculpture and Rowson Street. 

Users will see the “New Brighton Public Wi-Fi” network listed as available on their device and once connected to this they will be presented with a screen inviting them to log on using their social media account or via an SMS code sent to their mobile phone. 

This “landing page” will also link to New Brighton’s hospitality, leisure and visitor attractions to help visitors and residents navigate and access local hospitality, retail and leisure services in the New Brighton area.

The service is designed to be secure and is web filtered to prevent inappropriate material being accessed.