Cheltenham’s Golden Valley project near GCHQ is ‘super-charged’ by £20m funding boost
It's hoped the Golden Valley Development will bring new jobs, skills and housing to the area.
Plans for the new National Cyber Innovation Centre in Cheltenham have been given a boost.
The Government's provisionally granted £20m to the project.
The borough council's already committed £130m.
It's hoped the Golden Valley Development will bring new jobs, skills and housing to the area.
Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk said he was delighted with the announcement as it will provide a further permanent home for GCHQ in a modern ‘low-side’ site near the Doughnut that will combine government, industry and academia in one building.
“After much lobbying behind the scenes, I am delighted that the Government is investing a further £20 million into the Cheltenham Cyber Park. It takes the total sum invested so far by Government into our town’s tech future to over £52 million.
“It’s so encouraging to see the Government getting behind the Cheltenham cyber and digital vision which I first set out in 2014.
“I believe passionately that growing this sector is one of the best ways to address the deprivation which exists in our town. It’s how we create opportunities for youngsters who may not have had the easiest start in life, but are talented and prepared to work hard.”
Economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing cabinet member Max Wilkinson (LD, Oakley) said the announcement is unequivocally good news for Cheltenham. He said the borough council has led the project from the start, most recently working with partners HBDxF.
“We have worked hard locally to ensure the Golden Valley project will build on our town’s strength as a centre for cyber and technology.
“The £20million the government has now pledged for the innovation centre will sit alongside investment by the council of £130m.
“It will help us deliver jobs and prosperity for local people.”