Gigabit broadband scheme launch next spring in High Peak

Four public buildings in High Peak will benefit from a £1.2m scheme to bring gigabit broadband to rural parts of Derbyshire.

Although high-speed internet access in cities is becoming ever more common, towns and villages are often still stuck with slow and unreliable services. 

Twenty-two sites across the county will qualify in this first tranche of the roll out, with the four High Peak centres expected to be live by the spring of 2026. 

They are: 

• Alderbrook Day Centre, Buxton Road, Chinley 

• Furness Vale Primary School 

• Goyt Valley Medical Centre, Chapel Street, Whaley Bridge 

• Taxal and Fernilee C of E Primary School, Reddish Road, Whaley Bridge 

“We’re pleased to be supporting this project to bring better, faster, broadband to our communities, particularly in rural schools, libraries, and health facilities,” said Cllr Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Infrastructure and Environment lead. 

“As broadband services evolve it’s important that we continue to keep pace to bridge the digital divide and make sure that our rural communities aren’t left behind. 

“That’s why Government funding for this project as part of the devolution process was much welcomed to help support residents in accessing essential online services, education, and employment opportunities.” 

Funding for the project comes from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which replaced the previous government’s Levelling Up, Housing and Communities department.