Cheltenham’s Golden Valley Development has been chosen by the Department for International Trade (DIT) to be showcased as a world-leading cyber cluster through the High Potential Opportunities (HPO) programme bringing jobs and opportunities to the area.
The HPO provides a significant boost for Golden Valley and clearly positions the development as a global destination for cyber business. Cheltenham’s strengths in cyber activity will be promoted to targeted DIT teams located in British Embassies and consulates around the world. They will highlight the compelling reasons why overseas cyber firms should choose Gloucestershire as they expand their international activities. This will help build the already well-established cyber security cluster here.
Cllr Mike Collins is Cheltenham borough council’s cabinet member for cyber, regeneration and commercial income. He said “The Golden Valley Development will bring together cutting edge cyber-tech, thousands of employment opportunities and affordable housing in west Cheltenham. This HPO provides a huge potential for inward investment and is a significant milestone for this project.”
Leading the Golden Valley Development is Tim Atkins, managing director place and growth at Cheltenham Borough Council. He said: “Great strides have already been taken locally, regionally and nationally. Taking this next step to reach a global audience is a giant leap for the project and opens the door for the world’s leading cyber-tech firms to make Cheltenham their new home.”
Total annual revenue within the UK’s cyber security industry is worth an estimated £10.1bn, up 14% on the previous year, supporting 52,700 employees. In Gloucestershire there are over 1,000 cyber security professionals and more than 120 firms involved in cyber related activities, helping to boost the local economy.
What is Golden Valley Development?
The Golden Valley Development will create a vibrant pioneering Garden Community integrating hi- tech business, residential and leisure uses. At its heart will be Cyber Central: the UK home of cyber, digital and creative sectors arising from Cheltenham’s international reputation for leadership in cyber innovation. With a significant development site adjacent to GCHQ in a highly accessible location with great connectivity, the opportunity exists to create a destination of global significance. It will require the highest standards of environmental sustainability integrating exemplar homes as part of a thriving and inclusive campus and garden community, defined by its quality in design, public spaces and approach to connectivity both digitally and physically.
What is the difference between the Golden Valley and Cyber Central?
Cyber Central will be the commercial and innovative heart of the wider Golden Valley Development and will be home of cyber, digital and the creative sectors. It will be more campus than business park and this innovative heart will be developed along with new private and affordable homes creating a vibrant community supported by shops, restaurants, leisure and open recreational space. It will greatly enhance Cheltenham’s appeal as a destination for living and working.
What have you been doing since the project was first announced?
Since March 2020, we have been carrying out a staged procurement exercise to identify a suitable development partner to drive the development forward for us and make the vision a reality.
Read more about the Golden Valley Development here, including information about Developer Selection, Business, Local Challenges, Practicalities and Connections here: https://www.goldenvalleyuk.com/stories/golden-valley-goes-global
