I was delighted to attend the official opening of the new digital learning and skills hub at Oakley Library at the weekend.
Delivered by Gloucestershire Libraries, the hub has been enabled by £250,000 of Government funding.
It’s a brilliant asset for the area, supporting local schools and students, early years children and isolated adults in sheltered accommodation.
An ‘immersive reality’ room provides a 3D, interactive digital experience where images are projected around the walls, ranging from children’s books to journeys into space, helping to engage children and other users in learning through interaction. The hub also offers free Wi-Fi and public access to PCs.
The project was also boosted with a £48,000 grant from the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund, which will go towards the immersive storytelling centre.
It’s really encouraging to see the Government putting even more investment into Cheltenham, and doing in a neighbourhood where there is so much potential to be unlocked.
It all fits in to my 'bright lights' vision – namely creating visible opportunities here in Cheltenham for young people who may not have had the easiest start in life, but are talented and prepared to work hard. Instead of having to travel to London, Bristol and Birmingham to access great facilities I want the next generation of Cheltonians to see Cheltenham as an attractive place to be able to go as far as their talents will take them. That’s how you drive social mobility, a strong economy and excellent public services.
We have already seen £3m invested by the Government in GlosCol’s Advanced Digital Academy, and £24m to open up the future Cyber Park. £5.8 million has been awarded to the University of Gloucestershire, to support a major new investment in their cyber, computing, engineering and digital facilities at the Park Campus.
This cash sends another powerful signal to young people that Cheltenham is on the up.
[Column first published in the Cheltenham Post]