HBD, part of Henry Boot, has secured outline planning consent for the first phase of the landmark £1bn Golden Valley scheme being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council.
Golden Valley is a flagship innovation and technology project adjacent to GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency. The development will strengthen the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI, quantum technologies and secure communications, supporting national security, economic resilience and industry expansion. The scheme is an important public private partnership, having secured a £104million funding package, including £20million direct from the UK government, complemented by significant additional private sector investment.
The outline planning consent allows for a development comprising around 1 million sq ft of prime commercial space, including IDEA, the new 160,000sq ft National Cyber Innovation Centre referred to in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, as well as 576 residential units of various tenures, supporting Cheltenham’s housing needs.
The 200-hectare flagship regional regeneration project will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes, 1.25million sq ft of commercial space with the National Cyber Innovation Centre at its heart, while supporting the creation of almost 12,000 jobs.
Golden Valley will also have a significant impact on skills, with various partnerships already underway with Gloucestershire College, University of Gloucestershire and the University of Bristol, helping to develop the skills necessary for the region to achieve its cyber ambitions.
Tim Roberts, CEO at Henry Boot, commented: “Securing planning permission marks a major milestone for both Henry Boot and the future of UK innovation. Golden Valley is a significant development and a superb example of public and private sector collaboration working well, committing regional investment that will strengthen the UK’s capabilities in the highly important cyber security and emerging technology sectors. It is also testament to the expertise and dedication of our development team. Unlocking land for developments that create jobs, opportunities and economic growth, while delivering sustainable returns for our investors, is central to our long-term strategy.”
Cllr Rowena Hay, Leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: ”This is excellent news; securing outline planning consent for the first phase marks a significant step forward in the delivery of Golden Valley. We are aware that there are a number of planning obligations that have to be formalised through the conclusion of the Section 106 agreement, and we also acknowledge how important our partnership working will be with colleagues at the county council to secure infrastructure commitments so that we can deliver the full benefits of Golden Valley to our local communities.”
Dr Marsha Quallo-Wright, GCHQ Director of Technology Futures: “We welcome this decision and are pleased to confirm our presence on this important project. We look forward to working alongside academia and industry to enhance our ability to address emerging security challenges, foster innovation and support the region’s growth. By strengthening these collaborations, we will tap into new expertise, share knowledge and help shape the skills needed for the future, all of which are vital to supporting our mission to keep the UK safe.”
HBD began work on Golden Valley in 2022, before submitting an outline planning application in October 2023, which has now been granted. The developer will prepare for construction to begin later this year, and a separate outline planning application for an additional 443 homes is also due for determination in the coming weeks.
HBD, part of Henry Boot, is one of the UK’s most well established property developers. It boasts an impressive track record, strong financial backing and a reputation for delivery that has seen it become the partner of choice for local authorities, investors, and developers. Working with a £1.2billion development pipeline, HBD operates from six UK offices, focusing on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.