FIFTEEN community hubs in York are to get free Wi-Fi thanks to York’s SuperConnected Cities project.

The City of York Council said that the centres across the city were in line for new internet provision, to help them run events and seminars and encourage residents to use the facilities.

The 15 centres in line to have Wi-Fi installed by spring this year are: 

  • 68 Youth Centre
  • Bell Farm Community Centre
  • Burton Stone Community Centre
  • 29 Castlegate
  • 30 Clarence Street – Sycamore House
  • Clementhorpe Community Centre
  • Clements Hall
  • Foxwood Community Centre
  • Melbourne Centre
  • Moor Lane Youth Centre
  • Oaken Grove Community Centre
  • Priory Street Community Centre
  • Sanderson Court Community House
  • Tang Hall Community Centre
  • Poppleton Road Memorial Hall.

​The £114,000 project is being funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as part of York’s status as one of 22 SuperConnected cities across the country.

It follows installation of free city centre Wi-Fi, as well as on buses, across the city in the last year.

Cllr Linsay Cunningham, the council’s cabinet member for community engagement, said: “There are so many fantastic community venues across the city and we are keen to do all we can to help them to thrive. 

"I am delighted that we have been able to secure funding from central government to increase Wi-Fi provision across the city. Wi-Fi will be a great addition to these community venues and allow more residents and community groups to access the internet close to home free of charge.”

Digital economy minister Ed Vaizey said: “Our Superconnected Cities programme is installing free public Wi-Fi in more than 1,000 buildings across the UK and I’m delighted that some of York’s Community Hubs will be part of this ambitious project.

"Last year saw a fantastic boost to York’s digital landscape and it’s great to see the transformation continuing. We want to make sure the technology is in place to help York compete in the digital age.”