The MX and Minster Gardens project FAQs
What is the MX?
The MX is an innovative modular construction building that will house state of the art workspace for the cyber tech, and creative digital sectors, a Growth Hub to support business development, an event space and a café.
The MX forms part of a wider network of digital tech venues in and around Cheltenham, including Hub8 in the Brewery Quarter and Gloucestershire College, and will act as a beacon in the town for the forthcoming Golden Valley Development.
Who is behind the project?
The MX is a pioneering joint venture between the public and private sector.
Workshop Cheltenham Ltd (WCS) presented the original idea for the MX to the council. They have formed a limited liability partnership to deliver the project and future business.
How is it funded?
The project been awarded a government grant of £3.5m from central Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ and the Growth Hub via GFirst LEP, Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership. Additional funding comes from Cheltenham Borough Council and smaller amounts from European Regional Development Fund and Cheltenham’s Public Art Panel make up the rest of the funding.
Why Cyber tech?
The cyber sector and industries that are focused on the commercial use of digital technologies are increasingly important and make a valuable economic contribution to the UK’s international competitiveness, offering a platform from which to develop solutions to some of the most pressing challenges affecting the world today.
Here in Gloucestershire, we already have 6 times the level of cyber businesses than anywhere else in the UK, with Cheltenham at the heart of this network with the highest concentration of cyber tech business outside London.
The vision for the Golden Valley Development is shared by a powerful partnership including Cheltenham Borough Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Homes England, GFirst LEP and CyNam.
Why the name, ‘Minster Exchange’?
The name reflects the deep history of the surrounding site. Dating from the mid-11th Century, St Mary’s was officially designated Cheltenham Minster in 2013 in recognition of its historical significance and place in the community.
Within the grounds of this only surviving medieval building in the heart of Cheltenham, can be found iron fixings that were used by market traders to set up shopfronts for their businesses, indicating its historic connection with trade and commerce. This exchange of goods and ideas is timeless and integral to a sense of community and the new building will enable people to come together in an exchange of ideas, creativity and culture, to spark conversation and innovation.
What is happening in the surrounding area?
The MX will face, and open out onto, the Minster churchyard.
We are proposing improvements to the neighbouring open space surrounding the Minster, alongside the Wilson art gallery and museum, including plans for new pathways, seating, lighting, planting and signage, opening up the Minster Gardens and links to the High Street.
The aim of the planting scheme is to boost existing habitats and thus increase wildlife and biodiversity, whilst conserving the history of the site.
How will this benefit the area?
The Minster Exchange is a unique urban rejuvenation scheme that breathes new life into an historical conservation area with improved lighting and CCTV, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable space for everyone. The upgrade of the gardens and its paths improves access to all and the planting scheme and new seating creates areas for reflection and space for community activities in the grounds of the Minster.
It is hoped the regeneration scheme will invigorate the area, bringing increased numbers of people to pass through and dwell, enhancing local businesses and the community as a whole.
How will it impact me?
To minimise disruption, the MX has been designed as a modular building which will be constructed and delivered to site ready for assembly. St George’s Place will need to be closed for a period of time for the delivery of these modules and the details of road closures will be notified nearer the time.
Whilst work is being carried out on the churchyard, the Minster Gardens will have limited access. We will share more information as the project progresses.
How will it affect my business?
The Minster regeneration scheme will improve access and invigorate the area, creating spaces that people want to pass through and spend time in. This will bring increased numbers of people to the area, enhancing local businesses and the community as a whole.
When is work due to start?
Work to the Minster Exchange is well underway and work to the gardens is expected to start in April 2022. We expect work on both areas to be completed in 2024.
How is the council considering the potential impact on rough sleepers in the area?
We are aware that difficulties and problems in people’s lives can result in homelessness. We are committed to ensuring, through working with the charity P3, that anyone rough sleeping in the Minster grounds is made aware of the closure well in advance and that support is made available to them if needed.
What is happening with the existing trees?
The Minster churchyard has a number of mature lime trees and we are planning to raise the crowns of many of these trees to allow more light into the site and encourage ‘natural surveillance’ from the surrounding buildings, opening up the views across this beautiful area.
We are also proposing to remove two trees due to their condition. In their place, we are proposing to plant two new, large trees to diversify the species on site and to provide better resilience to climate change.
How was the historical significance of the churchyard considered?
The ancient parish of St Mary dates from the 12th century and was the sole Church of England church in Cheltenham until the 1820s.The churchyard, although closed now for burials, is the resting place for many of our local residents. We sought professional archaeological advice to ensure our proposed plans had minimal impact to the grounds, paying particular attention to a ‘no-dig’ policy or minimal foundations where necessary. We worked closely with the Diocese and archaeological experts to ensure that the work was respectfully carried out and any historical artefacts recorded in accordance with this advice.
Who was involved in developing the designs for the Minster Gardens?
We engaged a local landscape architecture team to develop the designs and received input from the Diocese and Cheltenham Minster and St Mathews Church. We also engaged with local community groups, residents and businesses in the surrounding area. Historic England and Cheltenham Civic Society supported the scheme.