HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a Reserved Matters planning application for phase one of its flagship Golden Valley development, located adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham.

The landmark £1 billion innovation and technology project is being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, with construction on the first phase scheduled to begin next year. Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed as contractor.

Phase one of Golden Valley will include IDEA, a 160,000 sq ft building highlighted in the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. IDEA is designed as a sustainable hub for community, collaboration, and innovation, clustering expertise in sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, defence tech, and communications.

Also part of the first phase is ROUTER, a building aimed at promoting sustainable, smart movement across Golden Valley and the wider area. Facilities include advanced cycle infrastructure, e-bike charging, showers, lockers, real-time transport information, and 453 car parking spaces to address long-term traffic challenges.

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Golden Valley is already supporting regional initiatives, including The Skills Hub, created to tackle skills gaps and provide career guidance for young adults and career changers. This programme, delivered by HBD in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire College, the University of Gloucestershire, and Amazon Web Services, is a precursor to the physical skills hub that will launch at IDEA. Additionally, the project is funding digital workshops in local primary schools, teaching coding, robotics, game design, and animation through Jam Coding.

Hamer Boot, Executive Director at HBD, said: "The submission of Reserved Matters planning is a key milestone for Golden Valley; the first phase will set the tone for a dynamic new district that underpins the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI and emerging technologies. We look forward to moving into delivery this year, creating a scheme that combines new ideas, cutting-edge research and world-class talent with space to drive growth and innovation.

"We're pleased to be working alongside Cheltenham Borough Council to deliver a landmark project that will have a transformational impact on the region for decades to come."