Six potential development partners have been shortlisted for Cheltenham's Golden Valley Development - the town's £400million cyber hub.

The 200 hectare development, spearheaded by Cheltenham and Tewkesbury borough councils, will create a mixed-use development near to GCHQ.

As well as Cyber Central, the UK's first campus built around cyber technology, it will also include a 3,000-home garden community.

Cheltenham Borough Council managing director for place and growth Tim Atkins said: "The reaction and response to the search for a development partner for the Golden Valley Development has been overwhelmingly positive.

"The calibre of the submissions has been exceptional, just recognition of the scale and significance of the opportunity we have in front of us.

"We're absolutely delighted therefore to have six strong candidates to take forward to the next stage and will now be entering into further detailed dialogue with these potential partners over the coming months."

He said an announcement on the chosen partner is planned in spring 2021.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: "Here in Cheltenham, we are already seeing significant growth in the cyber and technology sectors, with 11 times the density of cyber related businesses in the town compared to the national average.

"The Golden Valley Development will super-charge this growth, putting Cheltenham on a global stage and creating huge opportunities for the town and our communities.

"The economic boost will be felt across the whole town and beyond, with a ripple effect that will benefit supply chains, transport infrastructure and cultural and leisure services far beyond the Golden Valley site alone."

Having been awarded Garden Community status by Homes England, the development will have sustainability at its core with pioneering design principles around the use of open space, community wellbeing and homes which meet changing needs.

Cheltenham Borough Council has adopted a supplementary planning document for the site which will help guide its delivery.

The investment of £37.5million, which includes the purchase of the land, is the biggest single purchase made by the council which has made a further £180million funding available.

Cyber Central UK, the first phase of the development, will be completed by 2023.