By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Construction can now begin as Cheltenham’s own “Silicon Valley” as plans for a £1 billion pioneering garden community and technology park next to GCHQ have reached a major milestone.
The Golden Valley development secured reserved matters planning approval for its first phase at Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee last night (April 23).
This marks a major milestone for the council’s flagship development which is being delivered by HBD, part of Henry Boot, and allows building to begin on site.
The aim of the project is to create a purpose-built cyber and tech innovation campus where GCHQ and pioneering companies will co-create the future of national security and defence as part of a nationally significant ecosystem.
Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to deliver the project’s first phase, which received resolution to grant outline planning consent in July 2025.
The first phase of Golden Valley includes IDEA, a 160,000 sq ft building which will leverage the region’s established strengths in security technology, supporting the clustering of expertise across fast-growing sectors such as cyber, AI and secure communications, while creating an environment capable of attracting global businesses, talent and investment.
The scheme has been designed to accelerate collaboration with Government, SMEs, start-ups, large tech firms, universities and investors, working closely together to push boundaries and generating a rich talent pool.
ROUTER is also part of phase one, supporting sustainable, smart movement through Golden Valley and beyond. It will provide advanced cycle facilities, e-bike charging, showers and lockers, alongside real-time transport information.
The building will also include 453 car parking spaces, helping to address long-term infrastructure needs, as well as convenience retail and leisure amenities designed to benefit occupiers, residents and the wider community.
In addition, a resolution to grant outline planning permission has been secured for the northern parcel at Golden Valley, which will deliver up to 443 new homes alongside supporting infrastructure, including land for a new primary school and local amenities.
The site forms part of Golden Valley’s wider Garden Community vision, which will create a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood where technology, innovation and residential living come together.
Once complete, the wider Golden Valley scheme is expected to deliver over 2,500 homes, around 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space and up to 12,000 jobs, alongside a network of green spaces and community infrastructure.
HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council will now be working alongside Savills to identify a suitable delivery partner for the development of the residential scheme.
During the planning committee meeting, Councillor Iain Dobie (LD, College) described the proposals as “our own Silicon Valley” in being of national and potentially international importance.
“I’ve talked before of the magic that is going to happen there and the employment that will be generated by that,” he said.
“And the security this will also provide, not only in terms of employment in Cheltenham but also for the whole of the county of Gloucestershire and beyond.
“It’s really, really important. It’s not only the most important development in Cheltenham but it’s the most important development in Gloucestershire.”
He said those who have experience of what goes on in the cyber security world will recognise the Golden Valley development as a site of major importance.
“This is our own Silicon Valley, if you like, it’s genuinely exciting.
“The designs are reflecting that excitement.”
Councillor Simon Wheeler (LD, Hesters Way) also spoke in favour of the proposals and praised the design of the innovation hub.
“It’s really good,” he said. “I very much like it.”
However he said the mobility hub could be quite imposing for nearby residents.
“In general terms, I think this is a good application and I very much support it,” he concluded.
While Councillor Glenn Andrews (LD, Lansdown) said he too supports the scheme which will provide open space that can be used by the public.
“I like the sloped roof, I’m sure a lot of parkour enthusiasts will also like that as well,” he said.
And chairman Garth Barnes (LD, College) said the Golden Valley project will “kick start” Cheltenham into being at the forefront of cybersecurity in the UK.
He said the development will be watched by others across the country.
“This is a really important stage of our town’s development and an important day.
“As it’s on St George’s Day I think it’s quite appropriate.”
The committee voted unanimously to approve the proposals.
Speaking after the meeting, Hamer Boot, Interim Managing Director at HBD, said: “Reserved Matters approval for phase one is a significant step forward for Golden Valley and marks the transition from planning into delivery.
“As we move onto site, we are bringing to life a development that will play an important role in strengthening the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI and advanced technologies.
“Through strong partnerships and a clear long-term vision, Golden Valley will bring together industry, academia and government to drive innovation, support economic resilience and establish Cheltenham as a globally recognised destination for cyber and advanced technologies.”
Borough Council chief executive Gareth Edmundson said securing reserved matters approval is a hugely important milestone for the spa town and the wider region.
“It means we can now move forward with delivering a development that will create new jobs and training opportunities, support skills development and innovation, and strengthen our position at the forefront of cyber and technology,” he said.
“Working in partnership, we are creating a place that not only benefits our communities but also contributes to the UK’s national priorities and enhances Cheltenham’s growing international reputation in this sector.”
Golden Valley is a £1bn purpose-built cyber and technology campus, driving national security and defence innovation and enabling growth across a nationally significant ecosystem.
With its unique combination of location, partners and ambition, it is set to become a globally significant cluster for innovation, driving collaboration and investment from across the world.
HBD, part of Henry Boot, is one of the UK’s most well-established property developers, with a strong track record of delivery across large-scale, complex schemes.
Operating from six UK offices and managing a £1.4bn development pipeline, HBD focuses on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.