Construction is now underway for Cheltenham’s visionary “Silicon Valley” with the £1 billion Golden Valley garden community and technology park reaching a pivotal milestone. The Cheltenham Borough Council planning committee granted reserved matters approval for the development’s first phase on April 23, allowing work to commence on this landmark initiative.
Golden Valley, delivered by HBD (a Henry Boot company), aims to establish a cutting-edge cyber and technology innovation campus adjacent to GCHQ. It is designed to foster collaboration between government agencies and private sector pioneers, shaping the future of national security and defence within a strategically important ecosystem.
The initial phase, overseen by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland following outline planning consent in July 2025, will feature IDEA— a 160,000 sq ft building dedicated to advancing security technology. This space will harness Cheltenham’s expertise in cyber, AI, and secure communications, attracting global companies, talent, and investment.
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Phase one also includes ROUTER, a smart mobility hub encouraging sustainable travel with advanced cycle facilities, e-bike charging, showers, lockers, and real-time transport updates. The development will provide 453 car parking spaces alongside retail and leisure amenities, benefiting both occupants and the community.
A parallel outline planning permission was approved for the northern parcel of Golden Valley, which will deliver up to 443 new homes, a primary school site, and supporting local infrastructure. This forms part of Golden Valley’s wider Garden Community vision—a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood combining innovation, living, and green spaces.
The full Golden Valley scheme anticipates delivering more than 2,500 homes, approximately 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space, and up to 12,000 jobs, cementing Cheltenham’s position as a national technology powerhouse.
Cheltenham Borough Council and HBD have engaged Savills to identify a partner to help develop the residential portion of the scheme.
Councillors hailed Golden Valley as a project of national and international significance. Councillor Iain Dobie described it as “our own Silicon Valley,” highlighting its potential to generate substantial employment and enhance regional security. Councillor Simon Wheeler and Councillor Glenn Andrews applauded the design quality and community benefits, while some concerns were raised about the mobility hub’s scale.
Chairman Garth Barnes emphasized the project’s role in positioning Cheltenham at the forefront of the UK’s cybersecurity sector, noting its significance in driving economic growth and innovation.
Following the unanimous approval, HBD’s Interim Managing Director, Hamer Boot, emphasized the transition from planning to delivery. He highlighted Golden Valley’s role in consolidating the UK’s leadership in cyber and advanced technologies through collaboration with industry, academia, and government.
Cheltenham Borough Council’s Chief Executive Gareth Edmundson echoed the importance of this milestone for local and national priorities, underlining Golden Valley’s contribution to job creation, skills development, and strengthening Cheltenham’s international reputation in technology.
Golden Valley represents a £1 billion purpose-built cyber and technology campus that will drive innovation in national security and defence, with ambitions to become a globally significant cluster attracting worldwide investment. HBD, known for managing large-scale projects across the UK, continues to spearhead this transformative development.