Bowmer & Kirkland is on site to deliver the £95m opening phase which includes the 160,000 sq ft IDEA innovation centre, the ROUTER transport hub and enabling infrastructure.

Henry Boot’s development arm HBD secured the forward funding from private investors alongside Cheltenham Borough Council, allowing work to move into full construction.

The developer said IDEA is already 68% pre-let or under offer less than a year after planning approval, with strong demand for the remaining space.

Golden Valley will eventually provide around 1m sq ft of commercial space for cyber security, technology and innovation businesses alongside up to 443 homes.

HBD is now lining up phase two, comprising the INPUT and OUTPUT office buildings, which will add a further 188,000 sq ft of commercial space aimed at businesses operating in the national security sector.

The developer has also started marketing the residential element to housebuilders after securing outline consent for 443 homes.

Henry Boot chief executive Ed Hutchinson said: “Securing forward funding for IDEA is a major milestone for Golden Valley and for Henry Boot.

“With the majority of the space in the first phase already let or reserved, we now have strong momentum as we commence construction.”

Completion is due in early 2028.