Plans that will 'set the tone' for Cheltenham's £1 billion Golden Valley project have been submitted this January 2026.
The final stage of planning before construction can begin, a reserved matters application from Cheltenham Borough Council's developer partner, HBD, sets out more detailed proposals for the council-owned 'southern parcel' of land at the Golden Valley, including the project's landmark IDEA building.
One of four separate applications that make up the entire Golden Valley development, the HBD-led scheme was granted outline planning permission in July 2025.
The latest application includes detailed plans for phase one concerning layout, appearance, scale, access and landscaping.
The project team says the 160,000 sq ft IDEA building will provide 'a welcoming, sustainable hub for community, collaboration and innovation where people connect and ideas grow'; and will 'leverage the region’s specialism in security technology, clustering expertise in fast-growing sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, defence tech and communications'.
Also part of phase one is the site's transport hub, ROUTER, which will promote 'sustainable, smart movement through Golden Valley and beyond' with 453 car parking spaces, advanced cycle facilities, e-bike charging, showers and lockers, as well as providing real-time transport information.
Contractor Bowman + Kirkland was appointed to deliver the first phase in September 2025, with construction expected to begin in the spring.
Hamer Boot, executive director at HBD, said: 'The submission of reserved matters planning is a key milestone for Golden Valley; the first phase will set the tone for a dynamic new district that underpins the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI and emerging technologies.
'We look forward to moving into delivery this year, creating a scheme that combines new ideas, cutting-edge research and world-class talent with space to drive growth and innovation.
'We’re pleased to be working alongside Cheltenham Borough Council to deliver a landmark project that will have a transformational impact on the region for decades to come.'
Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: 'Golden Valley represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cheltenham, delivering new jobs and skills, new homes and a world-class innovation district that strengthens the UK’s position in cyber and emerging technologies.'
As well as progress on its first phase, Golden Valley is also investing in 'strategic priorities' in Cheltenham and the wider area, including an initiative developed by Gloucestershire College, University of Gloucestershire and Amazon Web Services called The Skills Hub.
Aimed at addressing the skills gap and helping with career wayfinding for young adults and career changers, the initiative is seen as a precursor to a physical skills hub which will launch at IDEA once completed.
