Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and Hub8 by Plexal, the workspace dedicated to growth of the local tech community, have finally opened the doors to the 20,000 square foot MX Innovation Centre – the heart of their shared urban Minster Exchange (MX) rejuvenation scheme.
Located next to the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum and Cheltenham Public Library on one side and the high street on the other, the MX will offer start-ups town centre space to develop.
Cllr Rowena Hay, Leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, says: “After a much-anticipated wait, I am delighted that the MX is now officially open. This innovative new space will be a place for startups, academia, industry and government, particularly through its links into Golden Valley (the multi million pound development which will support the region’s cyber sector’s growth ambitions), 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.”
Bruce Gregory, Managing Director at Hub8 by Plexal, details: “We’re over the moon to have officially cut the ribbon on the MX Innovation Centre. It’s been a long time coming but seeing people familiarising themselves with the site is hugely rewarding.
“We’ve already welcomed 60 businesses, with a total capacity for 400 members. These companies are working on everything from cyber security and marketing through to recruitment and foodtech, demonstrating a diverse pipeline of talent.