The Golden Valley Development, a major project adjacent to GCHQ in West Cheltenham, has submitted its final detailed planning application, marking a crucial step before work can commence on this transformative £1 billion scheme.
Spanning up to 200 hectares, Golden Valley will evolve into a pioneering, multi-purpose garden community centered around the Cyber Innovation Centre. This cutting-edge hub aims to unite GCHQ’s innovation programs with academia, industry, and event spaces, offering up to two million square feet of commercial space to support rapidly expanding sectors such as cybersecurity, AI, quantum technologies, defence tech, and communications.
Led by HBD, part of the renowned Henry Boot group, Golden Valley will set new standards in environmental sustainability, design excellence, and place-making. The project is delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, with Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to build the development’s first phase.
Phase one features IDEA, a 160,000-square-foot facility highlighted in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. IDEA aims to foster community, collaboration, and innovation by providing a sustainable hub where ideas flourish and connections thrive. The phase also includes ROUTER, a smart mobility facility aimed at promoting sustainable transport with advanced cycle infrastructure, e-bike charging, showers, lockers, and real-time travel information, alongside 453 parking spaces to ease local congestion.
Golden Valley is already making an impact through key initiatives addressing regional priorities. The Skills Hub, developed collaboratively by HBD, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire College, the University of Gloucestershire, and Amazon Web Services, is tackling skills shortages and supporting career development for young adults. This initiative will precede the physical Skills Hub launching at IDEA.
In addition, Golden Valley sponsors digital workshops in local primary schools run by Jam Coding, engaging children in computer game design, robotics coding, and stop motion animation.
HBD Executive Director Hamer Boot commented, “The submission of Reserved Matters planning is a key milestone for Golden Valley. Phase one will establish a dynamic new district that enhances the UK’s global leadership in cyber, AI, and emerging technologies. We eagerly anticipate beginning delivery next year to create a vibrant space where innovation, research, and talent converge.”
Cheltenham Borough Council Leader Cllr Rowena Hay added, “Golden Valley represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cheltenham, bringing new jobs, skills, homes, and a world-class innovation district that reinforces the UK’s strength in cyber and emerging technology sectors. Our partnership has been vital in reaching this stage, and we look forward to seeing phase one come to life.”
With a robust £1.3 billion development pipeline and six UK offices, HBD continues to build a reputation for delivering high-quality industrial, logistics, urban development, and residential projects, positioning Golden Valley as a flagship innovation endeavor with lasting regional impact.