The latest development plans from Cheltenham Borough Council reveal that a trio of “beautiful” veteran oak trees will be spared from being cut down when construction begins on the new Innovation Centre near GCHQ. The £1 billion campus project, spanning over 100 acres of land, aims to generate 12,000 jobs for the region.
As public concern grows over the recent felling of a 500-year-old oak tree at a Toby Carvery and the upcoming trial for the Sycamore Gap tree felling, ancient tree preservation has become a priority for many in the UK.
Developer firm HBD, responsible for the Golden Valley site, has made assurances that it is taking extensive measures to “respect and preserve” the family of 150-300-year-old oak trees on the property. Matt Bellshaw, the director and head of the region at HBD, has stated that the team is working with an arborist to delineate a “root protection zone” and that the design of the Innovation Centre building and bridge reflects a “landscape-led approach” to the development, aimed at preserving the existing natural environment.
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Jack Taylor, program lead for threatened woods at The Woodland Trust, emphasizes the uniqueness and irreplaceability of the Golden Valley trees, highlighting their significance as thriving ecosystems for wildlife. He also stresses the need for a “considerable” buffer area of approximately 23 meters around each oak to ensure their health and safeguard people from falling debris.
Furthermore, HBD has invited feedback from the public with a final call for residents to submit their comments online by Friday, May 2. There has been a notable interest from the community in the proposed Innovation Centre and Mobility Hub buildings, particularly regarding the inclusion of retail spaces, dining establishments, and an events venue, viewed as potential assets for the area.
The response from local residents, including young people and parents, has been overwhelmingly positive. A well-attended event co-hosted by Golden Valley and Gloucestershire College in March highlighted the enthusiasm of students for opportunities in the cyber industry and the prospects of new local job opportunities.
Gloucestershire College, with its dedicated cyber training center and the sole GCHQ-accredited cyber degree in England, is seen as a crucial partner for Golden Valley, especially in attracting technology talent sought after by prospective occupants for the Innovation Centre.
In addition to the first phase of the project, which is anticipated to receive planning approvals this summer, plans for the second phase include the development of a garden community comprising over 1,000 low-carbon homes catering to Golden Valley’s diverse population. Cheltenham Borough Council’s vision is to establish the town as the UK’s foremost cyber capital, building on its current status as the largest hub for cybersecurity businesses outside of London.
Councillor Peter Jeffries, the cabinet lead for major developments and housing delivery, emphasized the importance of public engagement in shaping the scheme, inviting residents to share their thoughts.
Meanwhile, as part of its comprehensive strategy for the sustainable management of local trees, the council is preparing to address the long-term preservation of trees like the veteran oaks at Golden Valley.
Tracey Birkinshaw, the director of community and economic development at Cheltenham Borough Council, affirmed the town’s commitment to the preservation of trees as an integral part of its identity, vowing to integrate public feedback into decision-making processes, from planting new trees to protecting existing ones.