A transformative upgrade of M5 junction 10, a key infrastructure project in Gloucestershire, has begun, aiming to unlock significant economic growth in the region. The £372 million scheme, sprawling across an area larger than 260 football pitches, started earlier this year with archaeological studies and the installation of bat roosts.
Scheduled for completion in 2029, this comprehensive road improvement will create a new motorway junction with full access in all directions. It will widen the A4019 Tewkesbury Road and introduce a new link road to the B4634 in west Cheltenham, complemented by cycle paths, walkways, and flood mitigation systems.
This revitalized junction is expected to open the door for the development of 20,000 homes and support major projects such as the Golden Valley development and the National Cyber Innovation Centre, promising around 12,000 new jobs west of Cheltenham. It will also facilitate access to 4,115 approved homes and 60 acres of employment land at Elms Park, as well as other employment hubs near Cheltenham.
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Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council’s economic development, planning, and infrastructure chief, hailed the scheme as a catalyst for transformative growth between Birmingham and Bristol. He emphasized the significance of additional government funding, which has been instrumental in advancing the project.
“It’s predicted that it will support £4 billion of economic activity,” Tooke said. “Residents always ask politicians to ensure that infrastructure is in place alongside housing development, and this project exemplifies joined-up thinking to meet those needs.”
Lisa Spivey, leader at Shire Hall, highlighted the collaborative support from councils and MPs and credited Homes England’s key funding contribution for making the project possible. She acknowledged the anxiety before government funds were secured but expressed optimism now.
Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson expressed relief at the long-awaited progress, noting the junction’s deficiencies have been a constant concern for residents. “After many years of campaigning, it’s a relief to see progress—because this upgrade will unlock the full potential of the Golden Valley development, bringing billions of pounds in investment and thousands of cyber and tech jobs, building on the expertise at GCHQ and the region’s thriving tech ecosystem,” he said.
Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas praised the decade-long collaboration of government and industry that led to the initiative. “The Golden Valley Project is a testament to dedicated planning and cooperation,” he remarked. “This strategic development aligns with Gloucestershire’s engineering and cyber technology heritage and will create highly skilled jobs across the West Midlands and South West, while delivering affordable housing and essential infrastructure.”