HBD, part of Henry Boot, has appointed Bowmer + Kirkland to deliver the first phase of the £1 billion Golden Valley development, a landmark scheme adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham.
The project, led in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, will provide 2,500 homes, 1.25m sq ft of commercial space and is expected to create 12,000 jobs.
Construction of phase one will begin in spring 2026, featuring two flagship buildings: IDEA, the National Cyber Innovation Centre with 160,000 sq ft of workspace and events space, and ROUTER, a smart transport hub designed to promote sustainable travel.
HBD managing director Ed Hutchinson said Golden Valley would “strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in secure innovation” and drive growth across the South West.
Cheltenham Borough Council leader Cllr Rowena Hay stressed the importance of social value, praising Bowmer + Kirkland’s early engagement with local schools, charities and community groups.
Bowmer + Kirkland, which previously worked with HBD on Manchester’s £60m Island office scheme, said the project would help put the UK at the forefront of cyber innovation while delivering benefits for the local community.