Construction work will start on a new \u00a39million Centre for Cyber Security in Hereford, UK, in the new year \u2013 bringing up to 190 high-value jobs and making the region a magnet for high-tech firms.<\/p>\n
Plans for the ambitious project cleared a critical hurdle after Herefordshire Council approved the launch of a new joint venture company with the University of Wolverhampton to build the centre at the city’s Skylon Park.<\/p>\n
Work is set to get under way early in the new year with the centre opening its doors in 2020.<\/p>\n
The centre aims to establish Skylon Park and the region as a leading hub of cybersecurity excellence in a sector worth \u00a32.8billion in this country and \u00a386.6bn around the world.<\/p>\n
The 2,000 sq m building will play a crucial role in the country\u2019s fight against cybercrime and offer more than 1,000 sq m of research and development floorspace in three cyberlaboratories, business space for 16 companies and form an integral element of the University\u2019s Cyber Research Institute.<\/p>\n
Councillors backed the plans after hearing the centre would not only create 190 high-income jobs, but also be a major asset in attracting new high-tech investment into the region.<\/p>\n
Councillor David Harlow, Herefordshire Council cabinet member economy and communications, said: \u201cIn Herefordshire, we have a very low level of unemployment, but our regional average wage is noticeably lower than many other regions of the country. It is our aim to invest in creating more knowledge-based and well-paid jobs throughout Herefordshire, and the new Centre for Cyber Security will help us achieve this. Cybersecurity is a major growth industry and attracting well-paid experts to Herefordshire will bring significant value to our economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Ian Oakes, University of Wolverhampton Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: \u201cThe new Cyber Centre will be a major new development for Hereford and the regional economy, providing world-class research opportunities alongside cutting-edge academic, vocational and educational training.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur strategy is to bring together our collective expertise in a centre of excellence with partners both in the UK and internationally. Cybersecurity is a globally significant sector and this exciting partnership will enable us to enhance skills and ensure the region\u2019s businesses benefit from this important research area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrew Manning Cox, Chairman of the Hereford Enterprise Zone, said the centre would be a key asset to Skylon Park as it continued to build a national reputation as an innovative, success-driven business community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis firmly underlines Skylon Park\u2019s reputation as a home for the defence and security sectors, and will prove invaluable in helping us attract inward investment into the Enterprise Zone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the agreement, the University and Herefordshire Council will make a total loan of \u00a35 million to the new company, in return for a shareholding.<\/p>\n
The University has secured part funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in conjunction with the Marches LEP Local Growth Fund.<\/p>\n
Marches LEP Chairman Graham Wynn said: \u201cWe are already part of the region with the largest cluster of cybersecurity companies outside London. The new centre will strengthen our position at the forefront of a nationally-important sector which is growing at ten per cent a year.\u201d<\/p>\n
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