North Yorkshire’s cultural and historic venues are set for a digital boost, thanks to significant broadband upgrades. The project has already improved internet connections at Knaresborough Castle, with further plans for the Royal Pump Room Museum and the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate. These upgrades will enable interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and roaming exhibitions, making cultural heritage more accessible to a wider audience, including rural communities.
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and the arts, said: “Many of our displays have remained unchanged for decades and we are looking forward to bringing them up to date and engaging new audiences in our region’s rich cultural heritage.”
The improvements are being delivered by NYnet, a council-owned company that has played a key role in the Superfast North Yorkshire programme. More than £100 million has been invested in broadband infrastructure over the past decade, improving connectivity for homes, businesses, and public services across the county.
Installing full-fibre connectivity at Knaresborough Castle required collaboration with Historic England, the Duchy of Lancaster, and archaeological specialists to ensure preservation guidelines were met.
Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: “The Superfast North Yorkshire programme has been instrumental in bringing the benefits of improved broadband to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses throughout the county.”
Alongside improved visitor experiences, the project will introduce smart technology to monitor visitor trends and environmental conditions, potentially enabling major national collections to loan artefacts to North Yorkshire venues.
May Catt, the council’s senior manager of creative and cultural hubs, commented: “This is an exciting step forward for tourism in our region and will unlock significant development opportunities.”
NYnet’s chief executive officer, Alastair Taylor, said: “This project took over a year and involved meticulous planning due to the complex nature of the site. As the castle explores the apps and technologies that will bring its plans to life, we will be on hand to boost bandwidth and support the venue technically.”
Tourism contributes more than £4 billion annually to North Yorkshire’s economy, attracting over 31 million visitors each year. These digital improvements aim to keep the region’s historic sites at the heart of the county’s tourism sector.
