By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Cheltenham’s major Golden Valley Development has been given a huge boost as the Government confirms it will provide £20m towards the project.
The proposed development will cover more than 116 acres, and will deliver a diverse innovation district, comprising over 1 million sq ft of commercial space, once complete.
It is hoped it will attract businesses with a focus on science and technology in particular, building on the existing specialist cluster in cyber.
And it is planned to provide more than 1,000 sustainable properties to rent and buy as part of a new garden community.
Cheltenham Borough Council had provisionally secured the funding in the third round of the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund but until today, had not received confirmation that it would be granted under the new government’s plans.
In a letter from the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, confirmation has been received that the government will protect funding for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) managed projects announced in rounds one and three of the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) recognising that many of these projects will unlock vital local growth and regeneration across the country.
Securing the funding is a significant milestone for Golden Valley and paves the way for the council to start drawing down the funding to continue to deliver the first phase of this unique development – the construction of the National Cyber Innovation Centre.
Council leader Rowena Hay (LD, Oakley) said: “We are delighted that £20million levelling up funding for the Golden Valley Development has been re-confirmed following the Budget.
“We have always been confident that the National Cyber Innovation Centre will be successfully delivered. It will be a national asset that has the potential to build on Cheltenham’s place as a global leader in technology and security.
“The opportunity offered by Golden Valley not only helps us deliver jobs and prosperity for local people but will also lead to a notable transformation in national-security relations between government, academia and industry.
“The National Cyber Innovation Centre has been described as ‘a true international centre of innovation’ in the National Cyber Strategy.
“Now we have confirmation we can continue to realise the vision and ambition of the Golden Valley Development and we look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to bring this transformative project to life.”
The spa town’s MP Max Wilkinson has welcomed the “really positive” announcement. He said the funding was far from secure after the chaotic approach taken by the previous Conservative Government.
“This is really positive news for Cheltenham. Since my earliest days in Parliament, I’ve made it a priority to ensure the new Government recognises the importance of the Golden Valley Development and our local cybersecurity sector.
“Having raised the matter in the Commons, asked plenty of questions, sent letters of support and held discussions with Ministers, I am delighted and grateful that they have listened and confirmed that our town will receive funding.
“That funding was far from secure after the chaotic approach taken by the previous Conservative Government.
“Even though we welcome today’s news, this isn’t the end. We now need to continue efforts to ensure the development is a success.
“I will continue to speak up for local cyber businesses and the Golden Valley Development, doing everything I possibly can to support local work to ensure investment and jobs in our town.
“I would also again pay tribute the Borough Council and CyNam, who continue to work hard so our town’s cyber sector can thrive.”
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