The Minster Exchange, or the MX Innovation Centre, officially opens today, Thursday 25 July 2024, offering a workspace dedicated to the growth of the local technology community in Cheltenham.
Set to be supercharged with the Golden Valley Development, Cheltenham is a thriving hub for cyber in the UK, and the MX has been designed to complement this project — which is supported in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council and Hub8 by Plexal.
The workspaces are set up for startups, with The Growth Hub on-site to support business development in the county, presenting a safe and trusted environment where Cheltenham professionals can connect and socialise.
Launching the MX, the collaborative organisations aim to fuel business growth, 'nurture the tech ecosystem', and connect the community through internal facilities such as a cafe and a 200-person auditorium for events and education.
'Blending tradition with progress', the site is placed with the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum and public library on one side and the bustling high street on the other; the MX is poised to create opportunities for local people where technology, creativity and community combine.
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council said: 'After a much-anticipated wait, I am delighted that the MX is now officially open.
'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.'
Managing director at Hub8 by Plexal, Bruce Gregory, added: '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 food tech, demonstrating
a diverse pipeline of talent.
'As
the summer holidays are beginning, we look forward to welcoming plenty of
families — many of which may well have the next bright leaders to join our
innovation community in the future.'
Andrew Roughan, CEO at Plexal, concluded: 'We’ve worked with Hub8 for five years — 18
months of which we’ve held a majority shareholding in the business. Over this
period, organisations across the southwest 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.
'Across
the UK, aligning our universities, large tech companies, local authorities and
startups to a clear mission for growth, we’ll create the conditions for
innovation clusters to thrive. This in turn will contribute significantly to
the country’s economic progress and prosperity.'
