Work begins on £1bn Golden Valley cyber campus in Cheltenham

Construction has started on the first phase of the £1bn Golden Valley development in Cheltenham, with Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to deliver the flagship innovation hub at the heart of the nationally significant cyber and technology campus.

Appointed by Cheltenham Borough Council and development partner HBD, part of Henry Boot, Bowmer + Kirkland will construct Idea, the campus’s flagship innovation building, alongside Router, a sustainable transport hub.

Due to complete in early 2028, Idea will become home to the UK’s National Security Innovation Centre, bringing together government, industry and academia to support collaboration across the cyber, defence and technology sectors.

The development has been recognised within the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and is expected to play a key role in strengthening the UK’s cyber security capabilities while supporting business growth and innovation.

Sustainability has been a major focus of the scheme, with Idea designed to be 50% more energy efficient than a typical office building, reducing annual carbon emissions by around 200 tonnes. Around 60% of the wider Golden Valley site will be dedicated to green space, while 68% of the innovation hub has already been pre-let ahead of completion.

Alongside the innovation building, Bowmer + Kirkland will deliver Router, a transport hub designed to encourage sustainable travel. The facility will provide secure cycle storage, e-bike charging, showers, lockers, real-time travel information, parking and retail and leisure facilities.

Golden Valley is expected to become one of the UK’s leading centres for cyber security, defence innovation and advanced technology, supporting long-term economic growth across the South West.