Decision details

To enter into a contract with Sittwell Ltd for the provision of specialist advisory service to the Golden Valley Development and the wider security and technology cluster in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.

Golden Valley Development (GVD) next to GCHQ in West Cheltenham, and the wider growth of the innovation, security and technology cluster, is of critical importance.

It is a key priority for Cheltenham Borough Council’s corporate plan and the Gloucestershire Local Growth plan. In addition, GVD forms part of the National Industrial Strategy delivery plan published by government. Central to GVD is the construction of the National Cyber Innovation Centre which represents the first phase of the development which aims to be completed during 2027.

In advance of delivery of the first buildings, it is vital that support is provided to GVD and to Gloucestershire’s technology cluster. This support aims to build on the existing economic competitive advantage to harness the full potential of GVD and Gloucestershire to create jobs, deliver inclusive growth and maintain the county’s position as a key part of UK’s technology and national security industry.

As such £315k of funding was secured from the county-wide strategic economic development fund (SEDF) to undertake the following work packages:

1. Narrative and proposition development
2. Development of an action plan
3. Creation of overarching governance

This report is to commission specialist consultant and advisory support to progress these work packages. Specifically, to review the narrative and proposition development and the development of an effective and successful governance through the creation and establishment of an advisory board.

Due to the unique and specialist advice to support the work set out above a contract waiver has been used. This decision notices provides the relevant authority to enter in the relevant contract with Sittwell Ltd.

Due to the unique and specialist advice and consultancy required no other options were considered.

Consultation has been undertaken with the appropriate Cabinet Members