How MetaConnex Will Boost Bolton's GDP by £500m with Digital Twins

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MetaConnex has recently unveiled a transformative initiative in urban development and technological integration: a comprehensive, interactive digital twin of towns and cities which enables data integration, faster and smoother planning processes, created using its first UK town, Bolton.

This innovative technology is now part of Bolton’s Vision 2040, a strategic plan aimed at transforming Bolton into a model town of the future.

MetaConnex, one of the many frontier technologies in ELIXR’s portfolio, offers a hyper-realistic 3D urban planning tool combined with a fourth dimensional data, which revolutionises how we visualise and shape Bolton’s development, explains Catalina Valentino, Chief Executive of ELIXR.

Through its transformative technology, town planners can now manipulate and explore detailed simulations of urban layouts, integrating various aspects of town management in real-time. This tool not only enhances the accuracy of urban planning but also enriches the engagement and collaboration between planners, placemakers, stakeholders, and the community.

As well as appealing to investors it will be used for key collective decision making, from selling the reason to rent or buy, start a business or open a shop or visit Bolton, it will allow Bolton to visually and dynamically demonstrate how place shaping will really make a difference to all stakeholders.

The digital twin provided by this platform encompasses all critical areas and locations within Bolton, offering interactive widgets for in-depth exploration and planning. “It sets a new standard in data integration by incorporating Building Information Modelling (BIM), energy data, and mobility patterns”, says one of its founders, Joseph Michael Daniels.

This integration allows for a comprehensive simulation of future scenarios, making it possible to evaluate the impacts of different planning approaches on Bolton’s sustainability and livability. What sets this technology apart is its foundational role as a base platform.

It allows for seamless integration with third-party APIs, encouraging community involvement and enabling the council to streamline complex procedures across various sectors, including climate and energy management, affordable housing, and urban regeneration. This approach ensures a broad and inclusive perspective in planning and placemaking, reflecting diverse community needs and aspirations.

Moreover, the MetaConnex platform is pioneering in its ability to integrate real-time live data into its models and simulations. This capability ensures a truly connected digital twin, providing an up-to-date reflection of Bolton’s current state and an accurate forecast of its future. By synthesising live environmental, economic, and social data, the platform offers a holistic view of potential developments and their impacts.

This digital twin technology is not just a tool for visualisation—it is a strategic asset. “An initial pilot demonstration site is projected to generate up to £500-million in GDP over the next 25 years, allowing Bolton to see the positive economic impact that can be achieved for its future.” Says Bolton Council.

Bolton’s adoption of this innovative digital twin technology marks a significant milestone in urban planning. It positions the town at the forefront of smart city initiatives, showcasing the town’s commitment to embracing technology for sustainable and prosperous urban development.

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“Bolton is no stranger to innovation, and this collaboration with MetaConnex is a logical step for a forward-thinking council committed to transforming our urban spaces and improving the lives of our residents.

“Regeneration is not just about new buildings, but also about embracing new ideas and new technology, and MetaConnex offers a streamlined and collaborative planning platform that works for everyone.

“The regeneration of our town centre continues to gather momentum, and this new tool will make it easier than ever for investors to see everything Bolton has to offer.”

Explore more about how this company is shaping the future of Bolton: MetaConnex

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