HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a Reserved Matters planning application for phase one of Golden Valley, its flagship innovation and technology project adjacent to GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency.
The landmark £1bn scheme is being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council. The Reserved Matters application has been submitted ahead of construction beginning on site next year. Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to deliver the project’s first phase, which received resolution to grant outline planning consent in July 2025.
The first phase of Golden Valley includes IDEA, which is highlighted within the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and will deliver a welcoming, sustainable hub for community, collaboration and innovation where people connect and ideas grow. The 160,000 sq ft building will leverage the region’s specialism in security technology, clustering expertise in fast growing sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, defence tech and communications.
ROUTER is also part of phase one, which will promote sustainable, smart movement through Golden Valley and beyond with advanced cycle facilities, e-bike charging, showers and lockers while providing real-time transport information. The building will also include 453 car parking spaces, helping alleviate long term issues in the area.
Golden Valley has already begun investing in key strategic priorities across Cheltenham and the wider region. Various initiatives are underway, including The Skills Hub, a new initiative created to address the skills gap and help with career wayfinding for young adults and career changers. Created by HBD, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire College, The University of Gloucestershire and Amazon Web Services this is a precursor to the physical skills hub which will launch at IDEA. Golden Valley is also funding digital workshops in local primary schools, inspiring and educating young people. Delivered by Jam Coding, the workshops include computer game design, stop motion animation and robotics coding.
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 underpin’s the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI and emerging technologies. We look forward to moving into delivery next 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.”
Cllr 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. Our partnership approach has been critical to getting us here, and we look forward seeing phase one come to life.”
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 £1.3billion development pipeline, HBD operates from six UK offices, focusing on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.
