Plans that will 'set the tone' for Cheltenham's 拢1 billion Golden Valley project have been approved on Thursday 23 April 2026.
The final stage of planning before construction can begin, a reserved matters application from Cheltenham Borough Council's developer partner, HBD 鈥� laying out detailed proposals for the site's 'southern parcel' including the project's landmark IDEA building 鈥� was officially given the go ahead by the council's planning committee.
At the meeting, councillors described the development as 'Cheltenham's own Silicon Valley' and praised its potential to put Cheltenham at the forefront of UK cybersecurity, according to local democracy reporter Carmelo Garcia.
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 of construction on the council-owned parcel of land, 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鈥檚 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 coming months.
In addition to the phase one plans, HBD has also secured outline planning permission for up to 443 new homes alongside supporting infrastructure, including land for a new primary school and local amenities, on the northern parcel of the Golden Valley.
The project team says the site forms part of its wider Garden Community vision, to create a 'vibrant, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood where technology, innovation and residential living come together'.
Together with Cheltenham Borough Council, HBD will now be working alongside Savills to identify a suitable delivery partner for the northern parcel development.
Hamer Boot, interim managing director at HBD, said: 'Reserved Matters approval for phase one is a significant step forward for Golden Valley and marks the transition from planning into delivery. As we move onto site, we are bringing to life a development that will play an important role in strengthening the UK鈥檚 leadership in cyber, AI and advanced technologies.
'Through strong partnerships and a clear long-term vision, Golden Valley will bring together industry, academia and government to drive innovation, support economic resilience and establish Cheltenham as a globally recognised destination for cyber and advanced technologies.'
Gareth Edmundson, chief executive at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: 'Golden Valley securing Reserved Matters approval is a hugely important milestone for Cheltenham and for the wider region.
'It means we can now move forward with delivering a development that will create new jobs and training opportunities, support skills development and innovation, and strengthen our position at the forefront of cyber and technology.
'Working in partnership, we are creating a place that not only benefits our communities but also contributes to the UK鈥檚 national priorities and enhances Cheltenham鈥檚 growing international reputation in this sector.'
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.
