HBD has appointed Bowmer + Kirkland to deliver the first phase of the £1bn Golden Valley scheme adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham.
The development, which is being delivered by HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council, will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes and 1.25m sq ft of commercial space.
Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to deliver two flagship buildings, IDEA and ROUTER, along with the enabling works for future phases. Construction will begin on the first phase of the scheme in spring 2026.
IDEA, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will incorporate 160,000 sq ft of workspace and flexible event facilities and the ROUTER transport hub will be powered by smart technology to facilitate sustainable travel across the 200-ha scheme, alongside a range of leisure, retail and wellbeing facilities.
Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, which is part of Henry Boot, said: “The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in secure innovation really can’t be overstated. The development will play a key role in driving innovation across cyber and deep tech industries while delivering significant economic benefits for Gloucestershire and the wider south west. With outline planning consent for phase one approved, it’s positive to be able to announce the appointment of Bowmer + Kirkland as we focus on getting started on-site.”
Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, added: “It is important that social value remains a key a priority as Golden Valley begins to take shape. The team at Bowmer + Kirkland took the time to meet with local groups and charities, schools, colleges and universities as early as possible to understand the key priorities for the community and wider region, ensuring that its plans and investment are aligned and will deliver real, tangible benefit.”
Stuart Fanshaw, regional construction director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the UK at the forefront of cyber innovation. Our team is looking forward to starting on site and working with HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council on a range of social value initiatives to benefit the local workforce and the wider community.”
