The vision of creating the UK’s very own “Silicon Valley” beside the GCHQ headquarters in Cheltenham has taken a significant leap forward with the allocation of crucial funding for the redevelopment of junction 10 on the M5 motorway.
Thanks to a £71.5 million boost from Homes England, the overall £372 million motorway upgrade will enable better connectivity and unlock development land for up to 20,000 new homes in Gloucestershire. This infrastructure enhancement is a key component of the Golden Valley Project, which aims to establish a dynamic technology and innovation cluster—including the nearby National Cyber Innovation Centre—supporting approximately 12,000 skilled jobs.
The junction improvements will provide comprehensive access on and off the motorway in all directions, enabling smoother transport links essential for the anticipated growth in residential and commercial sectors.
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Gloucestershire County Council Leader Lisa Spivey expressed strong support for the project, calling it an “exciting” opportunity with world-class potential. “This could be the Silicon Valley of the UK,” she said, noting that GCHQ’s international partners are ready to invest due to the momentum behind the initiative.
Cheltenham Borough Council Leader Rowena Hay emphasized the importance of the junction 10 upgrade for realizing their long-term vision. “Without junction 10, we could only bring forward half of our project,” she explained. “With this funding in place, a 20-year vision can now come to life, backed by planning permissions and ongoing applications.”
Construction on junction 10 is slated to begin this autumn and will include a new link road connecting the A4019 to the B4634 in west Cheltenham, widening of Tewkesbury Road (A4019), expanded cycle paths and walkways, plus flood mitigation efforts.
The funding package combines £286 million from the UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, £40 million from anticipated future capital and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts, £32 million from developer contributions, £10 million in CIL funds from district councils, and £4 million from Gloucestershire County Council.
This comprehensive investment not only accelerates housing development but also lays the groundwork for a thriving technology ecosystem, positioning Cheltenham as a key player in the UK’s innovation landscape.