A new workspace dedicated to the growth of Gloucestershire’s start-up tech community has opened in Cheltenham. The 20,000 square foot MX Innovation Centre is a key feature of the urban Minster Exchange (MX) rejuvenation scheme.
Situated opposite Cheltenham Minster, the centre is a collaborative effort between Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and Hub8 by Plexal, an event and workspace provider. The project aims to complement the region’s Golden Valley development, a significant component of the UK’s National Cyber Strategy, with backing from both CBC and Plexal, and will be used by fast-growth tech and cyber firms across the county.
Andrew Roughan, chief executive at Plexal, the Delancey-founded innovation company that has a majority shareholding in Hub8, added: “Organisations across the South West region have demonstrated their commitment to cross-sector collaboration.
“The MX opening is the next step for this and fits in seamlessly with HBD’s mission to bring companies and communities together through the Golden Valley development.”
The MX Innovation Centre boasts internal facilities, including a café and a 200-person auditorium designed for events and educational purposes. The launch of MX aligns with the goals of CBC and Hub8 by Plexal to stimulate business growth through initiatives such as “Grown in Cheltenham,” which offers local founders six months of free, tailored support to accelerate their companies.
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “After a much-anticipated wait, I am delighted that the MX is now officially open. This innovative new space will be a place for start-ups, academia, industry and government, particularly through its links into Golden Valley, and it will also be a hub for the community, with a café and events space.
“The MX will reinvigorate this area of town connecting the Minster, Wilson Gallery, library, and the lower High Street. It is also the latest step in the council’s enabling role in the regeneration of this important part of the town.”
Already, around 60 businesses spanning cyber security, recruitment, and food tech have joined the centre, which can accommodate up to 400 members.
Bruce Gregory, managing Director at Hub8 by Plexal, concluded: “It’s been a long time coming but seeing people familiarising themselves with the site is hugely rewarding.”
