The flagship tech campus is set to transform the area into a national hub for cyber, AI and quantum innovation, with planning in for 1 million sq ft of commercial space and around 1,000 homes.

The scheme will start with construction of a 160,000 sq ft statement office building, known as the IDEA Innovation Centre. Designed to be the heart of the new district, it will drive high-level knowledge sharing between government, industry and academia.

Plan for IDEA Innovation Centre

Planning approval for phase one is expected this summer, with enabling works lined up for later this year and a full start on site by autumn.

Henry Boot’s development arm set out its timetable as it also unveiled details of phase two, featuring two more buildings called INPUT and OUTPUT.

Phase 2 INPUT and OUTPUT buildings

INPUT will focus on skills, education and government collaboration, while OUTPUT will provide workspace for tech firms, creating a focused environment to drive innovation and commercial growth.

The Golden Valley scheme also includes ROUTER, a next-gen smart mobility hub packed with sustainable transport infrastructure, retail, leisure and wellbeing space for residents and visitors.

£1bn Golden Valley masterplan

Golden Valley is backed by Cheltenham Borough Council and is being delivered by HBD, part of Henry Boot, with the aim of cementing the town’s status as the UK’s cyber capital.