Contractor appointed for landmark £1 billion Golden Valley scheme

Developer Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to deliver the first phase of the £1 billion Golden Valley scheme along with enabling works for future phases. 

Construction will begin on the first phase of the scheme in spring 2026, which includes two flagship buildings, IDEA and ROUTER.

The development is being delivered in partnership between property developer HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council. 

It will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes, 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space and is expected to create around 12,000 new jobs.

IDEA, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will incorporate 160,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace and flexible event facilities in a building designed to inspire groundbreaking ideas and innovation. 

ROUTER is a transport hub powered by smart technology which will facilitate sustainable travel across the 200-ha scheme, alongside a range of leisure, retail and wellbeing facilities.

Bowmer + Kirkland, which has its headquarters in Derbyshire, has worked with HBD on several major projects, most recently Island, its £60 million net zero carbon office scheme in Manchester.

Managing director of HBD, Ed Hutchinson, said: 'The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in secure innovation really can’t be overstated. 

'The development will play a key role in driving innovation across cyber and deep tech industries while delivering significant economic benefits for Gloucestershire and the wider south west.

'With outline planning consent for phase one approved, it’s positive to be able to announce the appointment of Bowmer + Kirkland as we focus on getting started on-site.'

Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, Rowena Hay, said: 'It is important social value remains a key a priority as Golden Valley begins to take shape. 

'The team at Bowmer + Kirkland took the time to meet with local groups and charities, schools, colleges and universities as early as possible to understand the key priorities for the community and wider region, ensuring its plans and investment are aligned and will deliver real, tangible benefit.'

Regional construction director at Bowmer + Kirkland, Stuart Fanshaw, said: 'We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the UK at the forefront of cyber innovation. 

'Our team is looking forward to starting on site and working with HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council on a range of social value initiatives to benefit the local workforce and the wider community.'

Working with a £1.2 billion development pipeline, HBD operates from six UK offices and focuses on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.