Nearly every home and business in Gloucester will gain access to next-generation broadband thanks to a major investment by CityFibre.

The city is set to benefit from an investment of at least £31m in its digital future, as part of CityFibre's plans to upgrade the nation's legacy networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity.

Upon completion, the network will be in reach of nearly every home and business in the city and will provide a platform for a new generation of "smart city" applications, as well as the roll-out of 5G mobile services.

CityFibre has appointed Neil Madle as city manager to spearhead delivery of the Gloucester project, which is due to commence in January. In this role, Mr Madle will be responsible for ensuring the state-of-the-art full fibre network is implemented with minimal disruption while delivering maximum benefit for the wider community.

He said: "Over the past nine months, most of us will have recognised just how important digital connectivity is to our lives and how much of an enabler it is when it comes to work, home and play.

"This is exactly why investment in digital infrastructure is so important today, and I'm really excited to be working with an organisation that is championing Full Fibre investment in not only communities like Gloucester, but right across the UK. I look forward to working with the city's residents, businesses and other key stakeholders to deliver this transformational project."

Councillor Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "I'm delighted that the work being done by CityFibre to make Gloucester a city fit for the future is set to get off the ground. It is particularly welcome with the multi million pound regeneration of Kings Quarter currently taking place.

"This will see the development of one of the largest digital quarters in the UK with The Forum, a vibrant new social and digital campus for the South West acting as a catalyst for an emerging digital and cyber security sector."

Kier Group has also recently been revealed as the key contractor delivering the construction programme on CityFibre's behalf.